Ireland first-five Johnny Sexton has defended rival and All Blacks star Beauden Barrett, in the wake of criticism over his goal kicking.
Following the All Blacks' 36-34 defeat to the Springboks in Wellington, in which Barrett missed four of his six attempts at goal, calls from former players and fans alike have seen calls to hand the kicking tee to the likes of Richie Mo'unga or Damian McKenzie.
With the All Blacks to face Ireland in Dublin on November 18 NZT, Sexton questioned the benefit in the public denigration of Barrett, bemused by the criticism thrown his way.
The All Blacks first-five's missed efforts proved costly during New Zealand's loss in Wellington. (Source: Other)
"He's a nice guy, world player of the year the last two years in a row, he's the guy to catch," Sexton told Ireland's The42.ie .
"You know, the game against South Africa, he only missed a few. But, like, it's one of the hardest stadiums in the world to kick in; the wind can play absolute havoc. I've had sessions there where I've barely got a kick.
The first-five missed four kicks in New Zealand's shock loss to South Africa. (Source: Other)
"So I think he gets a bit of unfair criticism in his kicking, and if you actually look at his statistics or whatever you want to look at, he's a very good kicker and he's a world class player."
To his credit, Barrett has missed just one shot at goal since that Wellington Test, coming in last week's 37-20 victory over Australia in Yokohama.
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