Australia fly-half Berrick Barnes has credited newborn son Archie for his blistering recent form after kicking the winning penalty in Saturday's 20-19 victory over Wales in Sydney.
Barnes collected his second straight man-of-the-match gong after another assured performance in front of a packed house at Allianz Stadium. The often-maligned playmaker was impressive in general play and kicked five from six with the boot, including his clutch 32-metres effort from the sideline in the 75th minute.
And the 26-year-old said it is no coincidence his purple patch has coincided with his son's arrival eight days ago. He said: "That's (becoming a father) definitely helped and given me a spur on."
He added: "It puts a lot of things in perspective, that's for sure. I've probably been freed up a lot, which has been great.
"I can't fault the blokes around me with the support they've given me.
"I've had a lot of enjoyment in the last three weeks. It's been a big couple, that's for sure (off the field).
"It's been good. I've been fortunate an opportunity presented itself.
"I didn't think I was playing too bad in the last few rounds of Super 15 so I felt I was building. I was working hard off the field."
