All Blacks v Springboks: Red-card to Scott Barrett caps drama-riddled first half

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Scott Barrett of New Zealand is sent off by referee Matthew Carley after a receiving a second yellow card against the Springboks at Twickenham.

The All Blacks were reeling at halftime at Twickenham after a red card to Scott Barrett after an indisciplined first half.

Scott Barrett was sent off just in the 39th minute for a reckless charge on Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.

Barrett had earlier been yellow carded for after the All Blacks conceded a string of early penalties.

He was joined in the sin bin by skipper Sam Cane as referee Matthew Carley’s patience wore thin.

Barrett, however, may escape a ban as the bunker officials deemed the second yellow card did not constitute a red card upgrade.

He was sent off however for two yellow cards.

The All Blacks trailed 14-0 at the break after having a try to Will Jordan ruled out in injury time for a knock-on by mark Telea.

They were probably fortunate not to be trailing by more, only excellent defence by the 13-man All Blacks stopped the Springboks nailing more than two first-half tries.