Beauden Barrett admits All Blacks omission dented his confidence

Beauden Barrett has admitted being left out of the All Blacks side affected his confidence before his return to the starting XV against Australia.

The 35-year-old started at full-back in Saturday’s 50-19 win at Eden Park, which secured the Bledisloe Cup for New Zealand for a 24th consecutive year.

Speaking on Monday, Barrett described the difficulty of working his way back into contention under head coach Dave Rennie.

“It did challenge me mentally a little bit,” he said, in comments reported by Reuters.

The 146-cap back had been overlooked for the opening six Tests of the season before returning as a replacement against South Africa in Baltimore, where he scored a late try.

Beauden Barrett praises Rennie’s honesty

Despite the frustration, Barrett said Rennie had been clear about his position and the work required to earn another opportunity.

“We are both honest with one another, we know where we stand and there are no mixed messages.”

Barrett also stressed that contributing to New Zealand’s success remained his priority, whether he was selected or helping the matchday squad prepare.

As 1News reported, Richie Mo’unga’s injury last week opened the way for his return, with Damian McKenzie moving to fly-half.

New Zealand face Australia again in Sydney on Saturday 17 October. The Wallabies can still draw the two-Test series, but the trophy will remain with the All Blacks.