All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has defended Beauden Barrett for rolling the ball a couple of metres towards the goal posts before kicking a penalty against the Springboks.

A South African supporter spotted All Blacks fullback Barrett nudging the ball with his foot while referee Nic Berry had his back turned during the 16‑all draw and posted TV footage of the incident on social media.

Some believed Barrett should have kept the ball at the mark where the penalty was awarded.

Hansen says Barrett had simply done something many goal kickers do during their careers.

The All Blacks play the Wallabies in Perth next Saturday before finishing the series with a Test in Auckland on August 17th.

[Source:Stuff.co.nz]