New Zealand Federation decided. Ian Foster will be the coach of the All Blacks until the next World Cup. Despite his side’s win over South Africa in Johannesburg last Saturday (35-23), his place is yet to be confirmed. Rumors continued that the loser of three consecutive matches would be sacked in the summer of 2022. Prior to the Johannesburg match, he had lost five of the last six meetings. A disastrous record for the All Blacks.

The hour was grim as NZRU chief executive Mark Robinson refused to back him publicly after the final whistle of the Test. NZRU bosses seem to understand the players support their coach. Some wanted to symbolically come and stand behind him during the press conference (but they eventually gave up). ” In a way, it’s part of the job ” Robot » (Robinson) to criticize me “Coach commented, not resentfully, unaware of the shortcomings of his position.

Previously, Foster had thanked executives for ” Strong support. […] Holding this position is a privilege and it is not something you ever take for granted. “. The manager saved his head after losing his assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mower at the end of July after the series against Ireland. He now works with Dave Ryan (ex-Fiji, Crusaders) in charge of the forwards. The latter’s influence was clearly felt in South Africa with notable improvements in possession and defense.

It wasn’t Robertson’s turn

On Wednesday we learned that Ian Foster has a new assistant in charge of the attack, none other than that. Joe Schmidt, the former coach of the Ireland team (2013-2019), has remained an icon there. He also passed through Clermont. He was already around the election, but as a consultant.

So he becomes a full deputy. We recall that Foster and his two assistants were isolated due to Covid-19 and he was in business for a winning match in the first Test (June 22) against the Irish. New Zealand won 42-19 that day.

Another parameter should also be taken into account. The sacking of Ian Foster cost around 2 million New Zealand dollars (one million euros).

The decision made Scott Robertson, the Crusaders’ (four Super Rugby on the clock) coach, who has made no secret of his desire to test himself at international level, a big loser. Many New Zealanders fear he’ll pack his bags for Europe, a club or something, which many All Blacks supporters will find stinging.

So Ian Foster will have to give reason to the NZRU’s caciques to avoid misunderstandings at the next meetings. His program opens with two Tests against the Pumas in Christchurch on August 27 and Hamilton on September 3.