Beauden Barrett brings up 50 Test tries

All Blacks

less than 1 hour agoBy: Alan Brown

Beauden Barrett has become only the second All Black to score 50 Test tries, crossing twice from Fullback in the 43-21 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

The milestone puts Barrett alongside Will Jordan as the only All Blacks to reach a half-century of Test tries.

Two tries, one milestone

Barrett's first try came on the half-hour. With the All Blacks under pressure and down to 14 men, a lineout penalty gave McKenzie the platform to throw a long pass to Barrett, who raced into a gap to score.

The milestone followed in the 51st minute. With Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu in the sin bin, the All Blacks kicked to the corner, won the lineout and worked the ball to McKenzie, who linked with Barrett as he joined the line. His 50th Test try stretched the lead to 36-21.

He was just as influential without the ball. Five minutes after his second try, Barrett made a big defensive play to break up an 18-phase Scotland attack and deny wing Kyle Steyn a likely try. Scotland did not score in the second half as the All Blacks pulled away for a bonus-point win, their seventh try coming from Asafo Aumua in the 68th minute.

Rennie: "He's a true professional"

All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie said Barrett had earned his chance at Fullback, with his form at No 15 in the provincial games in South Africa a key reason he was selected there.

"Everything we know about Beauden, there's people out there thinking that he's passed it, but he's in an environment here where we really value his experience," Rennie said.

"He's a true professional. Everyone wants to play and even when he's not playing, it's hurting. He's doing everything he can to help others and prepare the team well."

Rennie said the coaches had been confident Barrett would deliver when his opportunity came.

He

played

well

at

15

for

us

in

a

couple

of

the

provincial

games

in

South

Africa.

He's

been

excellent

and

I'm

really

rapt

for

him.

He's

an

important

part

of

this

group

and

it's

nice

that

he's

playing

well

as

well.
Dave Rennie

WATCH: All Blacks v Scotland Highlights (available in selected territories)

A record-breaking All Blacks career

Few players have left a mark on the black jersey quite like Barrett.

The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has built an extraordinary Test career, cementing his place among the greatest to represent New Zealand. With his double in Edinburgh, Barrett now sits second on the All Blacks' all-time Test try-scoring list with 50 tries. He is tied for second in Test appearances with 148 caps and ranks third for points scored with 853.

He also holds the distinction of being the longest-serving All Black, having represented his country across 5,250 days since his debut on 23 June 2012 against Ireland.

From his explosive pace and playmaking to his consistency at the highest level, Barrett's contribution to the black jersey has been remarkable. He has scored Test tries from first five-eighth, from Fullback and off the bench, and at Murrayfield he showed again that he still has the speed and timing to find the smallest gap.

All Blacks' leading Test try scorers

1. Will Jordan – 56
2. Beauden Barrett – 50
3. Doug Howlett – 49
4. Christian Cullen – 46
5. Joe Rokocoko – 46
6. Julian Savea – 46
7. Jeff Wilson – 44
8. Rieko Ioane – 40
9. Ben Smith – 39
10. Jonah Lomu – 37