All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has admitted that his form for the Crusaders has been substandard so far this season and has vowed to improve.
The second-row has come in for criticism with his displays in Super Rugby Pacific, with All Blacks greats Jeff Wilson, Justin Marshall and Mils Muliaina among those to question his performances.
That was put to Barrett on Wednesday, who has returned to the Crusaders’ starting XV for their massive New Zealand derby against the Hurricanes this weekend.
Scott Barrett’s struggles
“I hold myself to a high standard and potentially some of the performances early in the year haven’t been where I’d like,” the All Blacks skipper responded.
“It’s the media’s job to create interest and I’ve got opinions on performances and possibly those opinions have been not far off the mark.
“Having reflected upon that [last week], I’m looking forward to bounce this week.”
The Crusaders endured a dreadful campaign in 2024 – in which Barrett was absent for most of it – but they have improved in Rob Penney’s second season in charge.
Despite the development of the team this season, the All Blacks second-row has failed to find his best after being stripped of the captaincy.
Head coach Penney decided to change their skipper for the 2025 campaign to ease the burden on the All Blacks leader, but there is a suggestion that the decision could have had an adverse effect on the 31-year-old.
“I do enjoy leading and possibly having an extra responsibility may have helped my performances in the past,” the lock added.
“I think I’ve just got to really put my best foot forward each week for this team and get back to playing some of the best footy I can.”
Crusaders boss’ response
Penney was also asked about Barrett’s form as the Crusaders look to secure their sixth victory of the season.
They have won five of their seven matches so far and currently reside in second position in the table, two points behind Super Rugby leaders the Chiefs.
“Scoot [Barrett] is fine, he will be determined,” Penney said. “He’s a massively influential guy in our environment and we expect him to gradually get any doubters out of the way and he will kick on in the back end.
“By no means has he been bad. I guess players of his ilk have high expectations every week.
“As the old saying goes, form comes and goes but class is permanent, and he’s certainly got class and his form will come back to where we all hope it can be very quickly, no doubt.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/scott-barretts-remarkably-honest-reaction-to-all-blacks-greats-criticism-while-crusaders-boss-weighs-in-on-doubters
