‘I'm inspired’: Why an All Blacks veteran still draws inspiration from his younger brother

Running out alongside your two brothers for the All Blacks would be special enough once, let alone 54 times, but veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett continues to draw inspiration from his younger brothers.

Barrett started his first Test match of the 2026 season against the Wallabies at Eden Park, lacing up the boots alongside two of his younger brothers, Scott and Jordie, for the 54th time at Test level.

Scott, who has now played 90 Tests, returned from a serious back injury after a non-playing sabbatical for the Crusaders, while Jordie continued where he left off after recent standout performances in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against South Africa.

Speaking to New Zealand-based media from the All Blacks’ hotel in Sydney, the 146-Test first-five admitted it was a special night at Eden Park for multiple reasons.

“At home, every time it’s a privilege. But yeah, having missed out on recent Test matches, it means a lot to get back out there and to play alongside my brothers,” the experienced playmaker said.

“Especially, you know, with Scott’s return, and that always feels really good. But this one was super special.”

Jordie claimed man-of-the-match honours for the All Blacks, accumulating a mammoth 16 tackles and thirteen carries, ferociously hitting anything and everything wearing green and gold at Eden Park.

The midfielder’s older brother, Beauden, was in awe of his performance, saying he’s “hands down” the best No.12 in the world at this current moment in time.

“Oh, he’s been incredible this season. Every single Test match I’m inspired by his work rate, his physicality, and his involvement; his influence on this team is second to none.

“So yeah, I’m just proud as a big brother and the way that he’s leading. I guess you don’t get to see that from outside the environment, but he’s certainly matured into a world-class player.

“Hands down.”

Despite only featuring for a staggering nine minutes in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test matches, Barrett looked assured in his fullback role and his ability to influence the game in multiple facets.

Barrett explained on Monday that he had clear intentions going into Saturday night’s first Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland.

“Yeah, [I] felt great. I just wanted to go out there and work hard, communicate really well, and have fun.

“So, yeah, obviously we had to work for it. It was a proper test match in terms of the scoreboard; it was very tight for 50 minutes, and we had to really roll our sleeves up and embrace those moments.

“That’s what test matches are all about. And we’ve learned a lot from that one as well. We know that it’s just a start. We’ve seen areas that we want to really hone in on and be better at.

“We’re certainly not satisfied, and we’ve got a lot of work to do.”