‘Resilient’ Foster vows to restore pride
Coach under pressure says side can shine against Boks
Under-fire All Blacks coach Ian Foster has backed himself to turn things around as he named a largely unchanged squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup tests.
Foster, after a week of radio silence from the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby, spoke to the media at a press conference in Auckland yesterday following his side’s disappointing series defeat to Ireland.
A “resilient” Foster was unflinching in in his resolve to continue as All Blacks head coach despite widespread calls for him to be sacked from fans and pundits.
“We didn’t achieve what we wanted to in the Steinlager Series,” he said. “We’ve had robust conversations since.
“I’m happy with the accountability from the players and management, and we have a plan going forward. We’re never happy when we don’t achieve what we want to achieve. We understand the fans aren’t happy with that. But we have a plan to play a brand of rugby against South Africa that New Zealanders will be proud of.
“As a head coach there’s been a lot of questions the last couple weeks. I’m strong, I’m resilient. I believe I have a good feel with the players, I’m strategic and I’m also accountable.”
Foster also revealed that after “robust discussions” with players, coaches and management, there will be changes coming — but didn’t expand on what they will be.
“We’ve got things in place right now and I’ll let you know when we can.”
The bulk of the Ireland squad was retained for the upcoming tests, with Sam Cane keeping the All Blacks captaincy, despite prior suggestions he would be replaced.
“I have faith in Sam Cane,” Foster said on the captaincy decision.
“We all know we have a high accountability when you wear an All Blacks jersey and we need to do that better.”
The squad features the return of Highlanders forwards Ethan de Groot and Shannon Frizell, who
have been selected in the full-time squad after providing injury cover during the Ireland series.
With Angus Ta’avao, Brodie Retallick and Jack Goodhue making their way back from suspension
and injury, the All Blacks selectors have called in temporary cover. Braydon Ennor, Tyrel
Lomax and the uncapped Josh Dickson will join the squad for the South African leg of the tournament.
Blues and Taranaki playmaker Stephen Perofeta is the only other uncapped player.
“We have taken on board the lessons from the Steinlager series and are excited about looking forward to the next phase of our test season,” Foster said.
“The Rugby Championship plus the Bledisloe Cup remain our top priorities.
“This is a real chance to show
what we are about as a team.”
Foster said the squad looks forward to getting back to work.
“I just want to stress that no All Black enjoys being a part of a team that’s losing. There’s a lot of hurt and the next few days will be important for us.
“We’ve got some clear areas that we’ve got to improve.
“[But] what an exciting challenge . . . both tests away in South Africa couldn’t be harder but when your back’s against the wall, that’s when we’ve got to respond.”