With the World Cup just around the corner, it was always likely that there would be a bit of added interest in the 2023 edition of the Rugby Championship in this part of the world.
South Africa will be in Ireland's pool for the tournament in France, while there is also every chance that they could face New Zealand in a quarter-final if results fall a certain way. As a result, Irish fans will be keeping a close eye on the progress of those two teams.
Having gone through a stick patch over the last 12 months or so, there is no doubt the All Blacks are slowly getting back to their best. They put in very impressive performances against Argentina and South Africa in their opening two fixtures, making them heavy favourites heading into today's Bledisloe Cup clash away to struggling Australia.
As it turned out, the fixture would also produce a rather bizarre try.
Rugby: Massive All Blacks hit leads to bizarre try in Australia
New Zealand played some brilliant rugby in the opening half against The Wallabies, with the most notable incident coming inside the first three minutes.
With Australia having a line-out deep inside their own territory, All Blacks lock Scott Barrett would produce a frightening hit on Aussie scrum-half Tate McDermott, who would then drop the ball in his own end zone to allow New Zealand to score an easy try.
Scott Barrett is that guy 😤🤯
Hit if the year.#BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/PuoDh5LRbr— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 29, 2023
Not something you see often at the highest level.
This hit and all round performance from Barrett had plenty of rugby fans signing his praises online.
Scott Barrett with the hit of the year 🤯#BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/2OPq7EN3Fg
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 29, 2023
That’s unbelievable from Scott Barrett #AUSvNZL
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) July 29, 2023
Simply Exceptional from Scott Barrett.#Bledisloe #AUSvNZL #RugbyChampionship #AllBlacks #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/ubOmXnrVob
— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) July 29, 2023
WhatsApp's from my Dad
That Scott Barrett tackle was reminiscent of the Joggie Jansen tackle on Wayne Cottrell in 1970 Loftus #SAvNZ
#BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/hzECG84qC4— Gills (@gpricey23) July 29, 2023
In a very competitive field, Scott Barrett is currently the best Barrett. What a hit. #AllBlacks
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) July 29, 2023
Note to self: mention Scott Barrett more when listing the best locks in the world
— Will Owen (@will_owen9) July 29, 2023
Best lock in the world: Scott Barrett
— Ben Alexander (@benny_alexander) July 29, 2023
Scott Barrett is sure to play a huge role for New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup, where they will be hoping to prove that the strides they have made in recent times makes them real contenders to win the competition once again.
Considering the talent at their disposal, you certainly wouldn't bet against them doing so.
SEE ALSO: Jim Hamilton Finally Fulfills 'Big Mack' Tattoo Bet With Hansen
