Ian Foster reflects on the ‘privilege’ of coaching All Blacks

There was no fairytale ending for Ian Foster as the All Blacks’ head coach. For a man who’s come under immense scrutiny, backlash and criticism, it wasn’t the ending Foster deserved.

About 15 months on from the horrors of the series loss to Ireland and the defeat in South Africa that almost ended his career, the All Blacks fell painfully short of Rugby World Cup glory

Playing against Siya Kolisi’s Springboks at Stade de France, the All Blacks were dealt a hammer blow when skipper Sam Cane was shown the first-ever red card in men’s World Cup final history.

Including a yellow card to flanker Shannon Frizell, the New Zealanders played about 65 minutes with 14 men. But credit to the All Blacks, they were always in the fight.

It was an ending fit for a final as Jordie Barrett missed a penalty, and the All Blacks continued to pester the Springboks’ defensive line in search of championship glory. But it wasn’t to be.

New Zealand were bested by their old foes 12-11. In Ian Foster’s last game in charge as the All Blacks’ head coach before Scott Robertson takes over, the Kiwis showed plenty of determination, grit and passion.

But the Boks held on. Coach Foster was visibly hurting – and almost lost for words – as he sat down at Saturday’s post-match press conference. The Ian Foster era has finished.

"I would say there were a lot more ups and downs. It's a privilege. I've been privileged to be with a special group of people,” Foster said when asked about what memories he’ll cherish after coaching the All Blacks.

“What's the highlight? probably today. We lost but as a coach, you want your team on the big stage and to put their best foot forward which they did. We didn't get the result in the circumstances that we had to adapt to but I couldn't be more proud."

This All Blacks outfit has come a long way in two months under coach Foster. As New Zealanders will forever remember, the team was embarrassed against the Springboks in August.

New Zealand were handed a record 35-7 defeat at Twickenham which led many to write off the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup. But they continued to chip away behind the scenes.

While they managed to beat Ireland and Argentina in the knockout stages, it was the Springboks’ final in the end. But the All Blacks should hold their heads up high.

"Heck of a final. Always high emotion on both sides of the fence this will be no different,” Foster told reporters.

“12-11, I want to congratulate South Africa for what they've achieved. they've shown a lot of character and tenacity throughout this tournament. That's three close games they have come out the right side so they are doing something right.

“For us it's heartbreaking and I look at the effort of our team, the way we played and came back and gave ourselves a really good crack at that, the second half, particularly after the red card in the first half and the damage that decision made Overall, incredibly proud of our team but we've got a disappointed shed.”