Beauden Barrett feared 'the worst' after horror fall against South Africa

Beauden Barrett feared "the worst" after landing head-first after a terrible mid-air challenge during New Zealand’s heavy defeat to South Africa.

The All Blacks playmaker was upended by Springboks wing Kurt-Lee Arendse while attempting to take a high-ball. Arendse received a red card for his actions and a four-game suspension.

"It was quite a big collision, and I did think the worst instantly - especially when I was on the ground and - I can't remember who it was - told me to stay still," said Barrett in a video released by the All Blacks.

"It wasn't until (the doctor) came on and asked me, 'Can you move your fingers? Your toes?' I was relieved to have passed those tests. I eventually sat up and was able to walk off and get on with it.

"But there was a fearful period there for a minute or so where you do think of the worst. It's quite scary when you go over backwards, and you find yourself come down on your head and shoulders."

Barrett has paid the price for a below-par performance by getting relegated to the bench for Saturday’s rematch with the world champions in Johannesburg with Crusaders outside-half Richie Mo’unga taking his place.

Under pressure head coach Ian Foster has made three further changes to his starting XV, and it comes as no surprise to see him tweak his pack. Props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax replace George Bower, and Angus Ta’avao while blindside flanker Shannon Frizell has been drafted in over Akira Ioane.

New Zealand were physically taken to the cleaners by the Springboks during their 26-10 defeat in Nelspruit, but they also lost the aerial battle with South Africa half-backs Jaden Hendrikse and Handre Pollard causing mayhem with their kicking game. Barrett insists New Zealand will be better prepared for it this time around but insists the All Blacks must do more to protect their team-mates under the high ball.

"It's something we expected from South Africa in terms of the high ball collision and contest," he said. "I don't think they'll change anything. We'll continue to be courageous and get up.

"Our escorters have to .... legally stop that chaser from running a good line and allowing that mid-air collision."

New Zealand XV to face South Africa: J Barrett; W Jordan, R Ioane, D Havili, C Clarke; R Mo’unga, A Smith; E de Groot, S Taukei’aho, T Lomax, S Whitelock, S Barrett, S Frizell, S Cane, A Savea.