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'Out-passioned': Neil Barnes on the wake-up call the All Blacks needed
Sport Nation • November 16th, 2026 6:00 am
Photo: Photosport
All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes has promised an immediate response against England after New Zealand suffered a historic defeat to Wales for the first time in 73 years.
Fronting media, Barnes pointed to a lack of composure and players trying to do too much on their own as major factors behind the shock result.
“I felt in the first half we were probably a little bit loose, to be honest,” Barnes said.
“We were probably trying too hard as individuals to make things happen.”
He also highlighted the five or six turnovers conceded through offloads, questioning whether players were making the right decisions under pressure.
“You've just got to trust the things that you do as a team rather than working too hard to fix things on your own.”
The All Blacks fought back from 21-7 down to level the scores at half-time, but Wales refused to relent, producing a defensive effort that left Barnes impressed.
“Their defensive effort in that last 20 was something to behold, they would not let us get in,” he said.
“They have played their arses off, they've out-passioned us 100%.”
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Rather than dwell on the historical significance of the defeat, Barnes believes the experience can provide a timely reality check before the trip to face England.
“Losing a game in an All Black jersey, it will sharpen our focus on what we're supposed to be doing and what our prep looks like and being aligned as a team.”
There were also questions around the All Blacks' decision-making inside the opposition 22, particularly their reluctance to use the driving maul from a late penalty.
Barnes revealed assistant coach Jason Ryan was making his feelings known from the sidelines.
“The last one in particular, I know Jason Ryan was f**king yelling at me, 'we should be going to the maul',” Barnes said.
"The leaders on the field decided to do what they're doing and we'll run with that. But personally, yeah, I'd go into the maul"
With England next, Barnes made it clear the mood in the All Blacks camp was far from comfortable.
“Our dressing room's not happy. It's not a place where an All Black team wants to be.”
And he had a direct message about what the opposition should expect next weekend.
“I'm telling you now, come next weekend. We'll be a damn sight better for this.”
