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New Zealand Rugby confirms no decision has been made on All Blacks coach
By Tom Vinicombe
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson has confirmed that no decision has been made on whether or not Ian Foster will remain in charge of the All Blacks moving forward.
Foster has endured a tumultuous time as head coach over the past six months with the All Blacks suffering five defeats from their past seven matches.
A three-game losing streak was put to pasture in Johannesburg on Saturday evening with Foster's men recording an impressive 35-23 win at Ellis Park.
Speaking to media on Sunday evening NZT, Robinson indicated that a significant review will be completed over the coming days with an announcement expected to be made midweek.
"We were absolutely delighted for the team and management last night with the All Blacks' performance," Robinson said. "It was an incredible performance and result in an incredibly hostile stadium at Ellis Park in the home of South African rugby so we're delighted after the last few weeks of adversity and really challenging times that the team could come through like they did.
"We're very proud of them, they represent everything that we know the All Blacks stand for and it was a really critical moment in the development of this team which we're all proud of.
"The main priority is to get everyone home. We want to take the time now to make sure everyone gets home safe; team and management are all leaving throughout the day today. A lot of work's going into making sure that they travel safely.
"Then we'll take stock, meet with management as soon as we reasonably can and debrief how the tour went and where we see things at the moment and then we'll be in a position to comment after that time.
"We'll be making no major further comment until that time, which is likely to be the middle part of this week coming up."
Foster's current contract with New Zealand Rugby runs through until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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