Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll has come to the defence of All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett, following his abject performance with the boot in last weekend's 36-34 loss to South Africa in Wellington.
Barrett, 27, missed four of his six attempts at goal on Saturday night, ultimately proving crucial as the All Blacks slipped to a first loss at home to the Springboks since 2009.
The All Blacks first-five's missed efforts proved costly during New Zealand's loss in Wellington.
Taking to Twitter though, former Ireland skipper O'Driscoll highlighted that Barrett's place in a side is about much more than ability to kick goals, with his eye for the tryline seeing him standout above his contemporaries.
"Barrett scored FOUR (4) tries in the last game. They rarely need their conversions," O'Driscoll tweeted.
"I'm sure they can forgive him a poor night off the kicking tee."
Barrett's kicking capabilities were also defended by coach Steve Hansen, saying:
"Beauden has these nights."
Barrett converted only two conversions from six in tonight's 36-34 loss to the Springboks.
"He's had them before, but then he comes out and kicks 100 per cent the next time.
"That's the nature of goal kicking - sometimes it hurts you.
"You've just got to hope that all the stars don't line up in the one night - last night they did."
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