Crusade continues for Foster’s ABS

It was difficult to overlook the irony.

As the All Blacks trained under the watchful eye of coach Ian Foster on a cold overcast day at Rugby Park in Christchurch yesterday, it didn’t require a bolt of electricity through the brain to start thinking about the ‘what ifs?’

This wasn’t just any old footy ground.

It was the training base of the Crusaders, the team coached by Scott Robertson. Or as he has been known to call it — Rugby Heaven.

In different circumstances, Robertson could have been the one wearing a black tracksuit and cap, as the boss of the All Blacks. Instead, he was nowhere to be seen.

After 80 minutes of exhilarating rugby from the All Blacks in Jo’burg, the pendulum began to swing back in Foster’s favour. Upon his return home, he convinced NZ Rugby he deserved to remain in charge of the team through to the World Cup next year.

The rest, as they say, is history. The All Blacks weren’t even meant to be at Rugby Park. They were scheduled to train at Linfield Park, the home ground of the proud Linwood club which has produced 21 All Blacks.

On Monday night it was advised there had been a change of plans. The All Blacks wanted to train on a better surface. Rugby Park was the place to be.

With its high fences in the quiet suburb of St Albans, the venue was a good fit for the All Blacks who, like many international teams, usually train in seclusion.

They also employed security staff to ensure no outsiders breached their privacy, although a number of familiar faces from the Canterbury rugby community were allowed entry.

Foster and new assistant coach Joe Schmidt looked relaxed as they chatted to each other and the players.

Schmidt organised a light drill that involved halfback Aaron Smith firing the ball to a couple of loose forwards, and Foster invited several props to do likewise.

Some players practised their punting and goalkicking as they laughed and chased the balls.

It was another day in the life of the All Blacks. And Foster is still in charge.