'Destroy all hope': Another Pumas loss would be the 'end of the line' for Foster
Less than two weeks after a ringing endorsement from New Zealand Rugby (NZR), All Blacks coach Ian Foster is under renewed pressure following a third successive home loss this season.
Foster was confirmed as coach through to next year's World Cup in the wake of victory over South Africa at Ellis Park, but a first ever home defeat to Argentina in Christchurch has again set alarm bells ringing.
New Zealand media on Monday said another loss to the Pumas in Hamilton on Saturday should be "the end of the line" for Foster.
"One more loss and Hamilton, for the sake of a legacy 120 years in the making, has to be the terminus," rugby writer Gregor Paul wrote in the New Zealand Herald.
"Everyone knows that defeat this week will destroy all hope, make it impossible to keep talking about micro improvements in skill execution while lamenting macro failures in decision-making."
While Foster has been spared the axe, NZR have repeatedly shaken up his staff, sacking two assistant coaches after the home series defeat to Ireland, while bringing in a new forwards coach and selector Joe Schmidt as attack coach and strategist.
NZR seized upon the rousing win at Ellis Park as evidence the changes were working but the Christchurch shock further eroded fans' confidence in the team.
Until last Saturday's clash, the All Blacks had never lost three successive home Tests in their 119-year history.
Their tally of four losses for the season so far has been surpassed only twice, in 1998 when they lost five under former coach John Hart, and in 1949 when they were defeated six times.
With two Rugby Championship Tests against Australia and away matches against Japan, Wales, Scotland and England to round out the season, more unwanted history could be in store.
"But we have got a lot of faith that some of the things we're building are paying dividends," Foster said.
Veteran All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock said better execution in Hamilton could right the ship.
"We have to make sure that we are taking every opportunity we get, and with Test match rugby you might only get one or two in a game," he said.
"It's something I know we'll have a good look at over the next couple of days."
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Owen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
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