All Blacks coach Ian Foster has hailed the performance of fullback Jordie Barrett, whose long-range penalty turned out to be the decisive play in Saturday's 19-17 victory over South Africa in Townsville.
In the dying stages of the 100th test between the two great rivals, the youngest Barrett brother stepped up to the tee for the chance to take the lead with just minutes left on the clock.
And with the game firmly in the balance, the 24-year-old didn't disappoint, sending the kick from the 10m line straight between the uprights to guide Foster's side home to a famous victory.
The kick capped a perfect performance off the tee for Barrett, with the All Blacks snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Barrett kicked 14 of the All Blacks' 19 points in Townsville.
Aside from his heroics with the boot, Barrett was also exemplary under the high ball, as South Africa predictably implemented a high-pressure kicking game, targeting the All Blacks' back three.
Coach Foster credited Barrett for a fine all-round test match.
"There was pressure on and at the end of the day, that one at the end was the key difference," he says.
"It was a big kick and he nailed it. He's been striking well, [I'm] pleased with that.
"The high-ball stuff, I thought he defused really, really well from a personal side, particularly in the first half.
"[In the] second half, they shortened their kicking up and made it a bit of a jungle underneath the ball, so it was hard to get bodies under.
"We have to have a bit of a look at how we can do that better."
Saturday's victory sealed the Rugby Championship title for the All Blacks, with one game remaining in the tournament.
The All Blacks and Springboks will meet again on the Gold Coast next Saturday.
Join us from 11pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Springboks Rugby Championship clash
