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Live sport on SN this weekendNo more 'dumb-ass penalties': Barnes’ blunt warning to All Blacks
Sport Nation • September 11th, 2026 2:58 pm
Neil Barnes | Photo: Photosport
Senior assistant coach Neil Barnes has warned the All Blacks cut out the “dumb-ass penalties” that are allowing South Africa to turn pressure into points ahead of their fourth and final Test in Baltimore.
Having come off second best at scrum and lineout time through the series so far, Barnes says New Zealand cannot afford to keep handing the Springboks opportunities to unleash their devastating set-piece game in Sunday's (NZ time) finale.
South Africa lead the four-Test series 2-1, with their scrum and maul proving a major weapon throughout the opening three matches, with the visitors paying the price via penalties.
Barnes says the All Blacks need to take responsibility for giving the Springboks access to those areas.
“We challenge ourselves by not giving away DAPS - dumb-ass penalties,” Barnes told Sport Nation Afternoons.
“Not bloody well getting into positions where we’re allowing them to have access into our area where they can get that.”
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Barnes says penalties deep in All Blacks territory are particularly costly against a South African side that can use the resulting lineout to set up its powerful rolling maul.
Likewise, handling errors can put them straight back under pressure by giving the Springboks another opportunity to attack from a scrum.
“If you knock the ball on or make mistakes, you’re just inviting them back in by having a scrum,” Barnes said.
“If you provide them penalties, they’ll kick out and they’ll maul you.”
Instead, Barnes wants the All Blacks to keep the ball alive, maintain pressure and force the Springboks to defend for long periods.
“But if we can keep the ball alive and play and fatigue them, more and more space opens up,” he said.
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The lesson has been a significant one for the All Blacks, who have been exposed to a level of scrum and maul pressure they rarely encounter in Super Rugby Pacific.
Barnes believes the experience will ultimately benefit the side, particularly with next year's Rugby World Cup looming.
“They’re a pretty powerful and experienced crew up front,” he said. “Our players don’t get to play people with that mindset.”
Listen to the full interview below:
