The ancient idiom “to damn someone with faint praise” is the equivalent of what we know today as being given “the full support of the board”.
Earlier this week in Birmingham, NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson, stopped short of doing both, essentially calling “last chance” on embattled All Blacks coach Ian Foster, by refusing to endorse his tenure.
“He’s certainly the person to lead the team to South Africa, and we’re making sure they’ve got everything possible in the way of resourcing and support to make sure that’s successful,” Robinson said, before watching his men’s and women’s sevens sides settle for Commonwealth Games bronze.
There are no bronze medals up for grabs over this next week for Ian Foster. Either the Springboks are dealt with or the All Blacks will have a new coach for the completion of the Rugby Championships, through to next year’s World Cup.
Winning in South Africa is hard enough at the best of times. But under this kind of intense media and public pressure? With leading players like Brodie Retallick and Anton Leinert-Brown unavailable?
Foster is a level-headed, unflappable character and, chatting to and joking with the media last night (AEST), he gave no indication whatsoever of being a man under any more pressure than normal, by getting straight on to the front foot.
“We’re so excited about the opening of the Rugby Championship, and being in South Africa, there’s no better place to start,” he began.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
For a side in desperate need of a few wins, it could be said that the draw this year hasn’t fallen kindly for the All Blacks. But there is also a sense that the best thing that could happen was for the side to get out of the local media spotlight and get away on tour, with Foster delighted that his players had been able to get out and experience some of the local sights, after arriving in Mbombela.
He also hinted that being thrown straight in to play South Africa was not such a bad thing.
“When you come over here the size of the challenge is really obvious. We’re really focused and determined to improve our game, but there’s no doubt that the size of the challenge over here gives you great clarity.”
So, clarity or not, does Foster have the 23 players at his disposal that can upset the World Cup champions at home and, in the process, save his bacon?
Changes have been made to the front row, some of them enforced, with Nepo Laulala and Ofa Tu’ungafasi not touring. Loosehead George Bower was one of the few players to emerge from the Ireland series with his reputation unscathed, and he is joined by Angus Ta’avao, hoping for a better outcome than what befell him in Dunedin.
With the lineout a schemozzle in Wellington, Codie Taylor has paid the price; Samisoni Taukei’aho likely to be a popular choice at hooker.
Foster spoke about wanting to continue to explore what Scott Barrett brings at 6, but ultimately his hand was forced by the absence of Retallick, and the opportunity to leverage off Barrett and Sam Whitelock’s combination at the Crusaders.
With captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea certain starters, Foster had no choice to go big at No 6, speaking firstly about Shannon Frizell’s return to the squad, before expanding on Akira Ioane’s selection, and what is expected of him.
“He’s a big man, a physical man, a skilled man,” said Foster. “But all of that needs to be dovetailed with work-rate. I want him to be himself, but he also has to keep up his work-rate.”
Sam Cane (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
In the third Test loss to Ireland, there were glimpses of what Ioane can be. And because he’s experienced enough to know he isn’t going to be rag-dolling any Springbok forward, that may just be the catalyst for Ioane to find his niche – to discover his inner Kaino, if you like – and do the job that Foster needs him to do.
For all of his undoubted ability, it’s a risky selection going all in on Ioane, in such a high stakes game.
Foster played a straight bat when it came to the Barrett versus Mounga question, although the fact that South Africa won’t be shy about testing the All Blacks back three under the high ball, probably influences the decision to start Beauden Barrett at 10.
Jordie Barrett is proven under the high ball, and is a superior goal-kicker to his brother, so his selection at 15 was in all likelihood, one of the easier ones.
This will no doubt frustrate the many fans itching to see Will Jordan at 15, but by playing Jordan on the wing, alongside Jordie Barrett, this gives the All Blacks better security against Faf de Klerk’s high lobs.
Caleb Clarke takes the other wing spot; a player who hasn’t had a lot of rugby in recent times, but who had seemed to recover his spark and power running game earlier in the year, before injury and suspension got hold of him.
Injury remains a factor in the midfield, so 12 came down to a straight choice between David Havili and Quinn Tupaea, with Havili’s greater experience, and recent stand-out performance in the Super Rugby final, giving him the nod.
Given the players on tour, the bench selection looks straightforward enough, with only Finlay Christie’s selection over Folau Fakatava at halfback likely to divide opinion.
This becomes more straightforward when you hear Foster talk about how important it is for his side to match the Springbok’s physicality, but at the same time, still try to play their own game, at pace.
That’s actually one of the intriguing elements about this Test match. Almost certainly, neither side will spring any surprises on the other. Each knows how the other plays.
The message seems to be, if there are to be adjustments to the All Blacks’ game plan – and surely there needs to be – expect them to be subtle. This selection feels like nothing like panic, and everything like affirming belief in their systems, just needing to do things better.
The key to that however, is that success at a high pace, fast ball movement style of game is dependent on a far higher level of skill execution than what was witnessed in the Ireland series.
Whether that can be delivered with De Klerk and Damian de Allende firing bullets out of the line at them is problematic. But one thing the All Blacks won’t be short of is resolve.
(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
“When I say this is a massive challenge, it’s also very special,” says Foster. “When you’re in the All Blacks there’s no better place to be. You have to be at your best, and if you’re not at your best, you lose.”
It’s the only inkling Foster provides as to his personal situation, and a faint one at that. “We’re pretty determined to show that this team has got the character to improve from the last series,” he concludes.
If the All Blacks are to go down, if Foster is to go down, at least they will go down fighting, against New Zealand’s traditional, in enemy territory.
The response that everyone expected in the third Test against Ireland, but never came, has been rescheduled for this weekend.
The overarching narrative remains that here is a coach fighting for his career. Foster and his players might be the only people who don’t see it that way; they’re just fighting to get another Test win against a very good and vastly experienced Springbok side. Exactly as it should be.
For that to happen, the All Blacks will have to scrum like their lives depend on it, deny turnover candy to Malcolm Marx, keep their discipline, withstand what will be massive pressure on their line-out, snuff out the aerial threat at the back, and catch and pass like men who haven’t been introduced to each other for the first time, as they get on to the team bus.
Sounds simple if you say it fast enough.
Better All Black selections have travelled to South Africa and come up empty. But a combination of choice and necessity, and a natural turn in the talent cycle that has served New Zealand so well over more than a decade, means that, for better or worse, this is the 23 that Foster has at his disposal.
This is one of those strange situations where some All Blacks fans are hoping for an All Blacks loss. They may well get their wish, but it is clear that Ian Foster and his army of 23 are very determined to disappoint them.
CUW
Roar Rookie
NZ shud have looked at Laumape as the Nonu clone and Goodhue/ALB as Smith clone. they shud have looked at Jordiew B as SBW clone somewhere along the line they started making players into what they are not - like Reiko a 13 if Reiko plays till 2027 he will be a good 13 - maybe :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: also i find some of these things funny Reiko plays at 13 coz he wants to play there but why doesnt Jordie get the same treatment - he wants to plat 12 , where he played at under 20 world cup !!! why doesnt Jordan get to play 15 - where he wants to play ??? confusing much :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly:
CUW
Roar Rookie
rookie ref is the best going around right now if u ask me NZ will be in for a shock with is reffing for sure - spoiled at home by over friendly buddies :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Mick Gibson
Roar Rookie
It's all shaping up for a fascinating contest. If we look at the ABs over their golden years - their ascendancy has been built on superior fitness, talismanic captains, consistent midfield duos, ahead-of-the-pack coaching and counter-attacking genius. With all the basics covered in-between. Fast-forward to 2022 - and all these - bar the last point are moot. The rest of the world has caught up. The AB playbook has been thoroughly studied over the years and now Ireland, France and others are all implementing it with a few new tricks of their own. Add to this AB coaches have been sharing their IP with the NH for a while and that combined with the financial clout and pull of these tournaments up north - and NZ is being left behind. And some of it's best players remain forced to only play abroad due to player quotas etc. Let's look at South Africa now. Not a lot has changed in the game-style - and they are playing the same forward dominated grind-you-down style that I grew up with in SA in the 80's and 90s. Yes there was a hiatus when they tried to play like the ABs - but that was dispelled by Rassie and co. And now the Bokke and SA rugby are all-in with the NH. Players can be professional and play for the bokke. This gives depth and the increasing overlap with the NH tournaments gives both financial and career development pathways. So who will win in this epic battle? I'd back the AB's IF they made Sam W the captain. He is Talismanic and a leader. I'd back the AB's IF Richie M started at 10 with Jordie at 12 (and Beauden at 15) I'd back the AB's IF they had a front-row to match the brute force of the Bokke's double front row 6 The ABs can win. Players like Aaron S, Ardie S, Will Jordan, Caleb C, Sam W, Scott B are all game breakers. It comes down to a few things. How well the Bokke execute their game plan across the 90mins. What side of bed Pollard gets out of today! And IF the ABs can catch them napping early with some early scores from deep. The sub/ bench timing will also be interesting. I feel like Smith should actually start - but having him come on as a marauding 2nd half Jackal is also compelling. The Bokke dont play catch-up rugby too well. I predict the ABs to actually take the 1st test. Will Jordan and Clarke to destroy them early from deep and set-up a 17 point lead by half-time. Pollard to get sulky and miss his kicks. 2nd half come-back with the impetus off the bench. ABs by 10.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Maybe the coaches should just stay away in test week then as they’re clearly not helping!
Jeff
Roar Rookie
His name is Clark.
Jeff
Guest
Schmidt was never in charge. He participated in two afternoon training sessions. Read the journalist's reports who were there. It is fascinating to read that the same posters who believe in that time he could transform an AB side doubt that Ryan will be able to make much difference to the ABS pack in a fortnight.
QED
Roar Rookie
In someways Foster essentially sticking to the same players and choices much criticised by many is his only choice. Making wholesale changes says ‘I’ve heard you and is only just now making the changes that everyone has called for. If they win he gets no credit. This only says “well you should have know that in the first place and why were you so slow to change and adapt.” If they lose. He goes. If he sticks to his guns and they lose he’s gone. His only choice is stay the course. It says I believe in myself, the team, and the structures we wanted to play . “ It’s just others could not see it.” For what it’s worth and that’s not much. My two cents is to have any chance to retain his job they need to win both matches and comprehensively at that. 1 from 2 no matter how good they play won’t cut it. 2 from 2 won’t cut it they just scrape it in over line, no matter how courageous the losses might be. I want them to win but my gut says NZR have already decided and he’s gone in any event.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I see he is playing 10 for Waikato this weekend.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Jeremy thats just not cool sorry. Not everyone has the same opportunities in life and not all learn English as their first Language but they are still more than welcome to comment whether they spell correctly or use correct grammer.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
That will just be what they say if they lose. :laughing:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
OK so absolutely NOTHING but opinions. BB has a longer kicking game, a much flatter and more accurate pass and his decision making is way better than Mounga's. Sympathetic pass???? Yeah many are sorry RM passed it to them when he did. RM fails to hit touch way to often, wants to run around the same people 3 times just so he can smile to the crowd, Doesnt set up as many tries or score as many tries as BB and scores less points than BB. I was thinking you actually meant something other than pure opinion about 1 player over another. You know...Facts about actual skills.
Fox
Roar Guru
Actually, Riccardo, I saw something in the last test against Ireland with some of the AB's which I have not seen before and that was a look as if they were getting really frustrated amd lost some belief and that is not like the AB's at all - so hopefully that series loss has woken them up out of that slumber. I was nevre a fan of Plumtree either and never have been. Overrated IMO. Thye players had some negative comments on him as well in the review rumour has it last season. So lets hope the new boy from Canterbury makes a big difference.
Fox
Roar Guru
I would like to see Jordie at 12 – or at least given a go and then we could see how Jordan goes at 15. As I have said before on here Riccardo ALB is great but he is now far too injury prone and Goodhue is starting to become that was as well unfortunately and if this continues – especially with ALB we cannot get a settled centre pairing. I like Tupaea but he has pooere defensive stats at super level than any other 12 and as I said Reiko had to caover him twicw even in the AB’s – so he has to improve his D but yes i agree he has the good long term and I also like UJ but he get a lot of injuries as well. Our Hnadling was poor at times for sure and Ireland are a good side – a better side than WEales – and I don;t think SA could be said as really dominating SA so IMO I am not so certain they are as good as everyone is making out but we shall see. We are never brilliant in Junes tests – though not as shoddy as this season – so lets see how we develop. I am not as doom and gloom as some on here and as I say Riccardo – are the Boks as good as everyone is making out?
Carlin
Roar Rookie
That’s so true Nicholas. Ireland are possession based where as South Africa are kick and go from set piece to set piece. The other thing is South African conditions suit the All Blacks better than what NZ conditions do. Just not sure this current playing group especially the forwards are able to get the good platform to attack from.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Just frustrated mate. And you're right; a wounded All Blacks is usually something to be feared. Do you think we saw that response against Ireland? I expected it and was frankly disappointed in a lack of immediate physicality in Wellington. Also agree this isn't one of the great Springbok sides but the ARE world champions and while they were a bit listless against Wales they will be a completely different beast against the All Blacks. I have picked a narrow 1st up win for the All Blacks, for the record...
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Loquacious as always Fox. Thought Reiko's defensive gig at Eden Park was pretty good really but there's not much nous required on the line, despite his heroics. At Wellington Sexton and Aki passed short and looped to breeze through that space, make gain and/or off-load which sort of negates that specific. Havili was just as guilty, having been duped off his line, to be fair. The reason we lost there was: 1) another poor start. 2) poor set-piece; the line out was a shambles 3) defense, especially around those mauls 4) another complete and excellent performance from Ireland, who wanted it more. 5) a lack of composure and cohesion from the All Blacks; they are struggling to get out of their own way 6) squashing of any opportunity through poor handling and poorer support. I rate Ioane but suspect he could offer more from the flank and that there are, or will be, better options and combination in that area. I think Tupaea could be really good at inside. Jordie offers something there too. ALB is the closest we have to Conrad at centre and will re-claim that spot for France, I hope...
pm
Roar Rookie
They tested France more than any other 6 nations team did. France made a lot of errors against their pressure. They're always tough
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
ALB is a 13 but Laumape is free and just needs a bit of love, what a massive difference he would make. Of the others Tupaea at least runs the right lines hard and has top defensive instincts for a youngster. Pair either of them (preferably the older player) with ALB or Goodhue and you have structure, balance and smarts on both sides of the ball. In the back row, Savea, Cane and Barrett were a highly effective back row and Foster is unlucky that Barrett hasn't been able to play there since and probably won't again for a while. Ardie is great on attack and the others combined well in defence and around the breakdown. The best players to replace Barrett would be Frizzell or Grace, either would greatly improve the balance & effectiveness of the trio.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I'm not talking about world beating NV, just test quality players who perform the core roles of their position and will improve the team. Barrett doesn't do that at 10. He doesn't even stand in the first five slot! Mo'unga does and the other players I've mentioned would improve the other positions I mentioned too.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
He has a longer kicking game, is much more sympathetic with his short pass (Barrett tends to give it too late and the defence is right on you) he has a flatter, more accurate long pass and his decision making is so much better.