ian foster

Polarising All Blacks boss Foster on verge of World Cup triumph

Whether the All Blacks win or lose against South Africa in Saturday's final, Foster will be out the door to make way for Scott Robertson, the succession foisted upon him more than five months before the tournament kicked off.

Foster can expect tributes and thanks from New Zealand Rugby (NZR) bosses when making his exit, some 12 years after joining the All Blacks setup as an assistant to Graham Henry.

Most will ring hollow.

All Blacks bolstered by return of injured players

Head coach Ian Foster, who will name his team for the Pool A match tonight, will have flanker Shannon Frizell, prop Tyrel Lomax and centre Jordie Barrett available for the first time at the tournament.

Openside flanker Cane was named to start the tournament opening loss to hosts France at Stade de France but was withdrawn shortly before the match kicked off with a back problem.

Frizell, who started at blindside flanker throughout New Zealand's Rugby Championship triumph, has been struggling with a hamstring problem, forcing Foster to tinker with his back row.

Ian Foster doesn't expect to stay with All Blacks post-World Cup

Foster told Newstalk ZB on Wednesday he believes there is a "mood for change" at New Zealand Rugby.

"I think it's pretty highly unlikely that I will be in this job next year, but I keep getting asked about whether I'm going to apply. I think that's not the big question for me - the big question is what's the best thing for the All Blacks in 2023."

Foster concedes he's "rocking the boat" by making his views public.

NZR backs All Blacks coach Ian Foster to lead team through to Rugby World Cup

Former Ireland coach now All Blacks selector and analyst Joe Schmidt will be given an expanded role with the team.

The All Blacks produced one of the best performances in recent times to upset the Springboks at Ellis Park last Sunday.

However, Foster's job had come under scrutiny following a run of five defeats from their last seven games, with NZR boss Mark Robinson refusing to back Foster after the All Blacks victory in Johannesburg.

'We feel it is a new dawn for this team' - Robinson

NZR staying mum on All Blacks coach's future

Rugby Union chief executive Mark Robinson said there will be conversations in the next few days over who will be the coach for the game against Argentina on 27 August.

However, a decision may not be known till the middle of the week.

Robinson said any decision on Foster's future is down to the board.

The 35-23 win in Johannesburg early this morning followed a run of five losses in six games, including a series loss against Ireland.

Robinson had said earlier he backed Foster till the conclusion of the two Springboks tests.

     

Ian Foster shrugs off the 'growing' pains to back his men

   Right.

The under-pressure All Blacks coach – noticeably on edge as he spoke about what might be his final team – has made just four changes to his starting XV and brought in a couple of new faces on his bench for the second of these back-to-back clashes against the world champions at their intimidating home citadel early Sunday (3.05am NZT).

Foster makes four changes in latest All Blacks team to face Boks

The 16-point margin made it New Zealand’s fifth-equal biggest loss in their 616-Test history and the under-fire head coach has reacted by shaking things up in the forwards and also making a switch at fly-half.

Props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax, who were both replacements last weekend, have been promoted to start at the expense of the benched George Bower and the excluded Angus Ta’avao. With tighthead Ta’avao not making the 23, the bench cover will be supplied by the uncapped Fletcher Newell.

Cane to be sacked but Foster will keep job claim reports

The Otago Daily Times is claiming that Cane could be replaced as captain for the Rugby Championship opening two games with South Africa by veteran lock Sam Whitelock following the test series loss to Ireland.

Schmidt, currently an All Blacks selector, is believed to be taking more of a director of rugby role in response to the two defeats by an Ireland side he helped create.

New Zealand Rugby was expected to announce a Rugby Championship squad yesterday, but that was delayed by the review into the team’s recent poor performances.

All Blacks roll out big guns for 100th test against Springboks

There are several changes to the starting XV from last week's win over Argentina.

Joe Moody stays on one side of the scrum for Saturday night's match in Townsville, while Nepo Laulala is back in the number three jersey, replacing Tyrel Lomax who drops out of the matchday 23.

Codie Taylor returns at starting hooker, with Samisoni Taukei'aho on the bench alongside props Karl Tu'inukuafe and Ofa Tuungafasi.

Brodie Retallick returns at lock alongside Scott Barrett, with Patrick Tuipulotu moving to the reserves.

Foster reappointed as All Blacks coach

Foster took over from Steve Hansen after the 2019 World Cup.

In this time in charge the All Blacks have won the Bledisloe Cup twice, as well as last year's Rugby Tri-Nations.

He has also welcomed 13 new All Blacks into the fold.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said Foster could now plan for next year and beyond with certainty.