'Absolute disgrace': Fans slam All Blacks star over 'blatant cheating'
Beauden Barrett has sparked debate around the difference between cheating and gamesmanship after video emerged of a controversial act during the All Blacks’ draw with South Africa.
After the All Blacks were awarded a penalty within kicking range early in the second half of Saturday night’s clash, Barrett waited for the referee to turn his back before rolling the ball forward a couple of extra metres.
With no one any the wiser, Barrett took the kick a few steps closer to the posts, comfortably slotting it.
The All Blacks star may have converted the shot even if he hadn’t have moved it forward, but his actions still sparked uproar.
After the incident was pointed out on social media on Tuesday, fans were left seeing red, labelling Barrett’s actions a “disgrace” and “blatant cheating”.
@AllBlacks That’s blatant cheating. Quite embarrassing really from a legend of the game.
— Michael Faber (@mickfaber10) July 29, 2019
Absolute disgrace. #SSRugby @beaudenbarrett similar to his mates with the sand paper across the Tasman!
— CJ Giddy (@CJGiddy) July 29, 2019
Disgusting @beaudenbarrett !! @SARugbymag Can we please have a look into this type of behavior from professional athletes that are suppose to set an example.
— Don Pablo (@elchapopatron) July 29, 2019
Really All Blacks @beaudenbarrett ? https://t.co/rC2zHfWjuB
— Sam Fullman MBBS MBA MHM(Extn) MIPH (@fullman_sam) July 30, 2019
CHEAT!!!! https://t.co/vqiNZUwj62
— Freddie M. (@MacToogie) July 29, 2019
There's no doubt that NZ cheat. The hooker also stands well inside the field of play when throwing in at lineouts
— Craig Fell (@FellCraig) July 29, 2019
Just sad, this is not how you play any sport...😡😡 this guy must be banned from playing any rugby for atleast 2 years.
— Garry Stewart (@GarrySt27447690) July 29, 2019
Hey @WorldRugby does sportsmanship come into the equation when you're assembling the shortlist for World Rugby Player of the year? Because if it does then @beaudenbarrett should be omitted from any future award nominations with blatant unnecessary cheating like this. #BanBarrett
— Philip O'Reilly (@philthrill69) July 29, 2019
Bad sportsmanship from the worlds number 1 rugby team what message does this send out ? Cheating is ok ? we expect more from our international teams , they set the tone
— Mike (@mike_superb) July 29, 2019
As good as what the ABs are, I've always regarded them as a bunch of cheats. They allowed to get away with it. Shocking to think the ref assistants did not pick it up.
— I AM WHAT I AM (@hills007) July 29, 2019
Wow.... that's low @beaudenbarrett. Care to comment? @AllBlacks
— Civis Africae Meridionalis (@JRSCloete) July 29, 2019
South Africa stun in draw
Fans were particularly incensed considering the 16-16 result.
Less than two months out from the World Cup, the Springboks proved they have serious credentials to claim a third world crown, while silencing those who believe New Zealand are hot favourites to defend their title.
Reserve halfback Herschel Jantjies was the visitors' hero at the end of Saturday's absorbing Rugby Championship encounter, latching onto a Cheslin Kolbe chip and juggling before crossing with 50 seconds remaining.
It completed a brilliant week for Jantjies, who scored twice on debut in last week's 35-17 defeat of Australia in Johannesburg.
Five-eighth Handre Pollard slotted the pressure conversion to cement the first draw between the great rivals since 1994.
On a forgettable night for the world champions, influential lock Brodie Retallick exited with a dislocated shoulder which coach Steve Hansen said may also be fractured, quite possibly impacting on his involvement in the sport's global showpiece in Japan.
with AAP
