All Blacks 'rebuild' called into question by pundits as strategy not clear
Ian Foster's post-match comments about an All Blacks 'rebuild' have confused fans and pundits alike as the side continues to select mostly the same match day 23.
Many upset All Black supporters would have hung around on Saturday night after the historic loss to the Pumas hoping to hear an explanation.
The words they were met with were not ones that sat atop their Christmas wish-list:
"As I’ve said over the last few weeks, we are a team that’s rebuilding," Foster said in his post-match press conference.
"Rebuilding" is a term that has since divided, confused and disappointed Kiwi pundits.
What exactly a rebuild means in the context of an All Blacks team, especially the current one, is unclear.
Former Blues hooker James Parsons of The Aotearoa Rugby Pod used the Black Ferns as an example of what a successful rebuild looks like.
"If you look at the amount of changes every week, every test there's opportunity created for players to put their hand up, to make the World Cup squad and set the tone of that competitive edge within that group," he said.
"It's working, and they're still having the ability to win test matches."
The former All Black hooker didn't see the same approach being taken by Foster and his staff, calling into question the ‘rebuild’ label.
"Whereas [with the All Blacks] we have seen quite a consistent form of selection for a while now in those key (areas)," he explained.
"If I was a player and I heard coach talk about rebuilding, you'd probably have to expect a few changes this week.
"If that is the case, give guys opportunities, Hoskins [Sotutu], Roger [Tuivasa-Sheck], Stevey [Perofeta]."
The question over whether the All Blacks were rebuilding was also hotly debated on this week’s episode of The Breakdown.
Former All Black fullback Mils Muiaina voiced his frustrations to the panel about unrealistic expectations being placed on the side.
"Are we being realistic about where and how close we are, we're not dominant like we used to be," he said.
"We're not going to get back to those (dominant) stages in the next two to three test matches.
"We've got to be patient about where these guys are heading"
The ideal timeline for the All Blacks to start winning to appease the New Zealand public is in time for next year’s World Cup.
Regardless, Muliaina challenged New Zealand's unwavering demand for winning rugby.
"Are we prepared to lose, to win later on?" Muliaina questioned.
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Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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