Rugby World Cup 2019: Scott Barrett defends 'dog roll' try celebration against Springboks

Scott Barrett scores for the All Blacks against South Africa. Credit: Image - Photosport, video - Spark Sport/Newshub

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett is making no apology for the less-than-artistic execution of his try-scoring dive in their Rugby World Cup opener against South Africa on Saturday.

Barrett scored the second of his team's two tries in a three-minute period that carried the defending champions clear of their rivals during the first half, en route to a 23-13 victory.

There was plenty to admire about the giant second-rower's effort, after he steamed up the centre of the field to take the final pass from Anton Lienert-Brown and sprint 30 metres untouched to score.  

But his finishing flourish left much to be desired, after he clumsly ibuckled at the knees and collapsed to the turf.

"I've had plenty of feedback on that dive," Barrett admitted to media. "I've got a nickname of 'Dog Roll', so you could probably call that a dog roll, I'd say.

"I've watched too many games where people get complacent and I didn't really want to stuff that moment up, so I made sure of it."

With a week until the All Blacks' next game against Canada, all three Barrett brothers - Scott, Beauden and Jordie - appeared for media on Wednesday, still adjusting to their family reunion on the biggest of world rugby stages.

"I never really thought we'd all be here," admitted Scott Barrett. "In the back yard, you'd sort of joke and say, 'he's got a kick to win the World Cup'.

"You'd create scenarios like that and... now you pinch yourself that we're here right now."

As two-time International Rugby Player of the Year, Beauden Barrett has become something of a cult hero in Japan, after previous visits with the national team.

"We turned up at the airport and they're all screaming Beauden's name," reflected Jordie Barrett. "Scottie and I are looking at each other, and wondering what's going on.

"I think it's pretty cool - I think everyone in the team knows there's a bit of expectation around him and the hype's good."

The brothers have all gone their separate ways in their rugby careers - they are currently contracted to three different Super Rugby franchises - and are also yet to room together in the All Blacks environment.  

"[Manager Darren Shand] hasn't put me with 'Scooter' or Jordie as roomies yet, but hopefully that day will come soon," said Beauden.

Scott chimed in: "He's really tidy, I'm probably a bit messy... just let it run, go with the flow.

"These two are pretty prim and proper."

With the entire squad likely to get a run in their next two outings against Canada and Namibia, there's a good chance the three siblings will play their seventh game together for the All Blacks.

Join us on October 2 for live updates of the All Blacks v Canada Rugby World Cup clash

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