1
It isn't Ian Foster in the cross hairs this weekend after shock loss
By Ian Cameron
New Zealand Rugby and not head coach Ian Foster are in the crosshairs on social media this weekend after the All Blacks' latest shock loss.
Michael Cheika's Argentina successfully raided Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch to grab a 25-18 Rugby Championship victory, their first on New Zealand soil.
The horror loss comes just days after the union committed themselves to Foster until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, giving the 57-year-old their 'full support'.
Yet unlike previous weekends where Foster and Sam Cane were the focus of the public's ire, this time it is the NZR who are taking flak for persisting with the under-pressure head coach.
Aussie journalist and broadcaster Christy Doran wrote: "Is it time to talk about Ian Foster again? Wow. Huge result brewing in ‘Razor’ country with Argentina leading the All Blacks in Christchurch 25-18 in 71st minute."
South African journalist Brendan Nel posted: "Wonder how NZ is feeling about Ian Foster now?"
Newstalk ZB journalist Reid Etherington observed: "As an Arsenal fan, I know exactly how All Blacks fans feel about Ian Foster. But I never want to relive that again. NZR really shot themselves in the foot here."
Telegraph journalist Jamie Pandaram wrote: "Argentina defeat All Blacks for the first time in NZ, 25-18, right after Ian Foster is guaranteed his job until the 2023 World Cup. I restate my position, 2022 is the Wallabies' best chance to win back the Bledisloe."
Radio New Zealand's Jamie Wall certainly didn't mince his words: 'SACK. THE. F***ING. BOARD.'
Andrew Maseko was in agreement: "After this All Blacks loss, New Zealand Ruby Board should be fired. NZR picked Ian Foster as coach against wiser counsel, had a review after losses last year, kept him, a review after they lost the series to Ireland, kept him, had a review after the Bok loss and kept him."
There were many others in a similar vein:
Japan Times journalist Dan Orlowitz asked: "Does Foster still have the full confidence of NZR after this?"
It's going to be another difficult week for everyone in the All Blacks camp and New Zealand Rugby but this time they don't appear to have the option of switching things up in the coaching ticket.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Seven Springboks make World Rugby men’s 15s dream team of the year
3
The full list of 2024 World Rugby Awards winners
4
Stephen Donald weighs in on All Blacks eligibility ruling
5
Latest Comments
South Africa has entire teams playing in different leagues. That is a massive difference because their players are still familiar with each other when they are in the Springbok setup.
New Zealand will never have the Blues or Hurricanes or whoever pull anchor and go join a UK competition.
It will all be players dotted around all over the place.
So when they come back into the All Blacks, yeah they’ll have more experience with other styles, but they will be team mates with guys they’ve never even met.
And they’d have been playing France and Uk, will they still have NZ instincts of using skills and a fast paced game?
Or will they want a drinks break and a massage every time there is a scrum?
Go to commentsEnjoyed that. Pretty accurate assessment Brett. Good to read you again
Go to comments