Foster refuses to rock the boat

The All Blacks had their chance, but weren’t about to rock the boat when it comes to the peculiar preparation choices of the British and Irish Lions in their final week in New Zealand.

Jet-boating in Queenstown, among other tourist activities in New Zealand’s South Island scenic wonderland, might seem an unusual way to prepare for an international rugby series decider, but that’s exactly the path chosen by Lions head coach Warren Gatland.

Instead of heading straight to Auckland after their stunning series-levelling victory in Wellington last Saturday, the Lions decamped to Queenstown for three days that have included, among other activities, jet-boating around the waterways of the lakes region.

But the All Blacks weren’t making any waves from the safe confines of their Auckland hotel yesterday, steering well clear of anything resembling judgment, despite being invited to by members of the British press corps in attendance.

‘‘Everyone has their own different way of doing things,’’ said All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster. ‘‘We like to switch on and switch off as well. I guess they’re doing it their way.’’