All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has defended All Blacks Captain Scott Barrett’s controversial decision to opt for a kick at goal in the 75th minute when they were 4 points down against France, which eventually did not help them as they still fell to a 30-29 loss in Paris over the weekend.
The All Blacks were trailing 30-26 with 5 minutes remaining when the referee awarded them a penalty in which Barrett decided to instruct Damian McKenzie to kick for goal, rather than go for the touchline and attempt to score the match-winning try.
Robertson says they have got to support Barrett as firstly, he is their captain and they trust him.
He says Barrett went on instinct at the time and now he has had a bit of time to reflect, when they look at the opportunities in test match footy, they are quite limited and Barrett felt like he might have got another penalty.
He adds they hoped to get another three points or a shot to win the game but they did not get that.
In the post-match press conference, Barrett admitted he may have made the wrong decision.
Barrett says he could have decided for them to go for touch.
He says he will reflect on that decision, and learn from that.
The All Blacks will take on Italy at 8.10am this Sunday in their last test of the Autumn Nations Series.
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