Pressure on Foster rises as All Blacks slip to fifth in world
THE chances of Ian Foster remaining as All Blacks coach beyond the next Test against South Africa in Johannesburg are diminishing fast, according to reports in New Zealand.
New Zealand Rugby are expected to make their intentions known next week.
Stuff reports that NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson will remain in South Africa this week before returning to New Zealand, where a decision on Foster’s future could be made.
The All Blacks coach was already under pressure after being told by bosses the series defeat to Ireland was not acceptable.
However, the appointment of Crusaders coach Scott Robertson as a replacement might not be so straightforward. It is understood that the Super Rugby side are preparing for a number of different scenarios for 2023 – including one where Robertson remains in charge.
It is reported that while Robertson has a strong desire to coach his country, having applied for the job in 2019, he would not necessarily take the job in every possible circumstance.
Were he to take the job now, he would be inheriting a management group not of his own making – far different to the control he has at the Crusaders now, or even if he’d been offered the All Blacks job in 2019.
The pressure on Foster is growing with New Zealand officially dropping to their worst ever World Rugby ranking of fifth. The defeat to South Africa saw the All Blacks slip below England.
The Springboks’ dominant victory sees them draw level with France in second place in the rankings.
Victory in this weekend’s rematch with New Zealand will put them back in second on their own. They had started the summer as the world’s best team but were knocked off top spot after a second Test defeat to Wales saw them lose rankings points.
Ireland have risen from fourth to first over the past few weeks.
The All Blacks have previously only ever been as low as fourth in the rankings.
Argentina’s 26-41 loss to Australia means Wales now have a bit of breathing space in eighth.