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Foster believed to be 'frustrated' with ABs head coach process - report
By Finn Morton
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson caught the attention of a nation on Wednesday as he dropped an intriguing hint about his future with the All Blacks.
Robertson, who is believed to be among the favourites for the All Blacks’ top job, said the New Zealand Rugby Union could make an announcement “in the next few days.”
Suddenly, any and all rumours were sent in overdrive. Six-time Super Rugby winning coach Robertson had just dropped an All Blacks coaching bombshell.
The comments certainly caught the rugby community off guard, including the NZRU and current coach Ian Foster.
In response to Robertson’s claim, the NZRU released a statement saying an announcement “about the All Blacks Head Coach or process is not imminent.”
Interesting. In some ways, this only added more fuel to the fire.
As for current All Blacks coach Ian Foster, he’s believed to be “frustrated” with the process ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
According to 1News, the veteran coach was also “surprised” with the comments made by a smiling Scott Robertson in Christchurch.
While the All Blacks and NZRU are steeped in tradition, they’re set to steer clear of this ahead of the sport’s most prestigious event.
It’s been widely reported that the NZRU will appoint Foster’s successor for 2024 and beyond ahead of the tournament in France.
NZ Herald scribe Gregor Paul described the process as “stunningly disrespectful.”
“If they’re doing the process now, as they seem committed to be, no (Foster will not be re-appointed),” Paul said on Weekend Sport with Jason Pine.
“His record today is not outstanding, and I think even he would admit that… That’s unlikely to convince anyone, at this stage, that they want to push on with that.
“There’s obviously been a little feeling of public discontent, media discontent, with the way the team’s performed.
“If you’re going to do the process now over the next few weeks, I can’t see it.
“I think it’s a stunningly disrespectful way to treat the incumbent coaching group.
“That group will never be taken seriously. What they really need is to go to the World Cup and be judged on that.
“It’s weird because the board backed them in August last year… now we’re effectively going to look at that group and cut them off in the next six weeks.”
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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