June 18, 2012
It was a massive weekend for former Kingaroy State High school student Berrick Barnes … he became a new Dad and was named Man of the Match in the Wallabies’ hard-fought 25-23 win against Wales at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.
Barnes played a vital role in helping his side over the line, setting up the Wallabies’ only try with a superb off-load to Rob Horne. He also scored 17 points off the boot – five penalties from six attempts and a conversion.
The lead changed hands nine times in the game, which was played in front of 33,888 fans.
The match wasn’t decided until after the full-time siren when Mike Harris – who had been substituted for Barnes with seven minutes remaining – kicked the winning points.
Speaking after the match, Barnes said it had been a huge 24 hours.
He and his wife Bec did not expect their baby would be due for another five to six weeks but the doctors urged the birth be brought forward. Young Archie was born by caesarean section at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick.
Barnes said he was really thankful to the coaches and teammates for allowing him to fly back to Sydney.
“I also want to thank the cab driver who got be back here in time,” he said.
“I was worried for a while that I wasn’t going make it back but everything went right and I was really glad to be able to represent my country.
“It’s been a really emotional day.”
