Scott Barrett claims Joe McCarthy challenge was "below the line" before their Aviva Stadium bust-up
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett addresses why he squared up with Ireland's big Joe McCarthy in the first half of their Autumn Series clash
All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett has revealed why he blew up at Ireland's Joe McCarthy in Friday night's Aviva Stadium clash.
Barrett and McCarthy had to be separated in the 14th minute of New Zealand's 23-13 victory in the Autumn series encounter.
Speaking after the game, Barrett accused McCarthy of putting his shoulder into All Blacks out-half Damian McKenzie when he was on the ground.
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"Yeah, I don't usually take exception but I saw something that was, I guess, below the line for me," said the 30-year-old. "I guess you had to make a point of 'your not targeting our 10 tonight.'
"I think they play hard, they're a great team, a physical team and great with ball in hand. It was just the one moment. I think I was getting up from a ruck and from where I saw it, it looked like Damian was on the ground and Joe cleaned him up. It looked like a bit of a shoulder to a man on the ground, who is our 10.
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"From where I saw it, it looked like it was around his head. Whether it was or not, I'm not too sure, but I guess I took exception in that moment. It may not have been, I'm not too sure."
Barrett also addressed the All Blacks' decision for centre Rieko Ioane to lead the haka before kick-off.
Ioane had been at the centre of attention after his war of words with Johnny Sexton was revealed by the now-retired Ireland star in his recently-published autobiography.
"We've got a number of guys who can lead the Haka and it was Rieko's first opportunity," he said. "We love it and the English walked forward, the Irish did that as well, and you can hear the atmosphere and the crowd really getting in behind it. It sets the tone for what's in store.
"Yeah, I guess it's them saying they're up for the challenge, which is great and is what Test matches are about, especially up here in the north, playing the best teams at home."
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