The Wallaby star only arrived at the ground an hour before kick-off after dashing back from Sydney after being at the bedside of his wife Bec who gave birth to a son, Archie, six weeks early.
For the second week running, Barnes played a major role in his side’s victory. He delivered a stellar performance by creating the crucial try on the stroke of halftime with a clear break to send Rob Horne Horne over. In the second half his trusty right boot kept the score board ticking over every time Wales threatened to go clear through Leigh Halfpenny’s deadly boot.
He eventually limped out of the contest with seven minutes left of an absorbing contest after a hectic 24 hours.
”Our baby was due in five or six weeks, but I got a call yesterday saying that I had to get back to Sydney,” he said.
”Thank god it all happened last night. Wife and bub are well, and little Archie is breathing on his own now and feeding, which is great. This is all so exciting, and I am so proud. I am just grateful to all the boys and the coaches for giving me the opportunity to get back for the Test.”
“It’s exciting and I’m very proud,” he said. “It’s something that doesn’t happen very often in your life. It’s something I’ll remember. Just checking that they were both well gave me the peace of mind to come and play for my country
“It’s emotionally draining. I reckon I was more tired this week than after playing two games last week, but the adrenaline gets you up. I love playing for my country, it’s a great honour.”
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he would have given Barnes every chance to play. “It was always going to be Berrick’s call but we had other plans in place if anything happened and he couldn’t make it in time,” he said.
Barnes also paid tribute to his taxi driver who put his foot to the floor to ensure the pivot got to the game on time.
”I’ve got to thank my old mate the cab driver, I’m not sure where he was from because he didn’t speak much English, but he got me here on time to get to the team meeting. So I’m very thankful.”
