All Blacks not there yet, says Foster

NEW ZEALAND coach Ian Foster declared himself satisfied with the shape of the All Blacks after three shakedown Tests, but said they needed to improve further before facing stronger challenges ahead.

With the All Blacks having set a goal of regaining the No. 1 world ranking this year, Foster said the aim of the season-opening Tests against Tonga and Fiji was to “build some parts of our game”.

The performances may not have been good enough to strike fear into the hearts of Australia, South Africa and Argentina, who start rolling into the country from next month, but Foster found the effort to be promising.

“When we get the intention right, and we improve maybe the quality of our ball carrying and a bit more knowledge in our structures, we can actually get the speed of ball that we want,” he said following the 60-13 win in the second Test against Fiji yesterday.

Australia, who the All Blacks face in three weeks, just completed a narrow 2-1 series win over Six Nations runners-up France.

Argentina produced a win and a draw over Six Nations champions Wales, who have several players away with the British and Irish Lions.

Reigning world champions South Africa tune up with three Tests against the Lions, starting next weekend, followed by two Tests against both Argentina and Australia before confronting the All Blacks in September.

Foster believed that, apart from a few lineout misses, the All Blacks set piece was strong, particularly the scrum.

“However, we’ve got to get a little bit tidier early on in our defence,” he said.

“So there’s plenty to go on but overall, when I look at the three Tests, I’m pretty delighted with where we’re at right now.” – AFP