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All Blacks announce new coaching changes as assistants let go
By Ben Smith
The All Blacks have announced a host of changes to the coaching group ahead of the start of the team’s tough start to the Rugby Championship campaign in South Africa.
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After the 2-1 series loss to Ireland in the Steinlager Series, pressure has been mounting on New Zealand Rugby to make changes after losing four of the last five test matches.
The axe has fallen on assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mooar who have now parted ways, stepping down from their roles with the All Blacks.
Former Hurricanes head coach Plumtree was the forwards coach while former Crusaders assistant Mooar was in charge of the backs.
Foster thanked the pair for their ‘enormous’ contributions to the team and their hard work.
“Right now, I am really feeling for two fine men who are great rugby coaches that made an enormous contribution to the All Blacks,” Foster said in a statement released by NZR.
“I have no doubt both coaches will go on to great success and I want to thank them for their hard work.”
Replacing Plumtree will be Crusaders forward coach Jason Ryan, who has been an integral part of Scott Robertson’s championship-winning coaching group.
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Ryan also impressed as the Fiji forwards coach when the side took on the All Blacks last July. He will join the team in camp next week.
“Jason is a proven performer with plenty of experience at international level,” said Foster.
“Last year we witnessed first-hand the impact he has made on Fiji’s forwards, adding to his continual growth as the forwards coach of the Crusaders. His appointment now is clearly with an eye to the future and to the Rugby World Cup 2023.”
There is no direct replacement for Mooar however Ian Foster has decided to take over the backs group in the interim, while Joe Schmidt will start his new role as a selector having decided to delay his start date until after Ireland’s tour.
However, the former Ireland head coach will take on extra duties by assisting Foster on the overall strategy and attack play as well as provide analysis to the playing group.
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Foster has thrown them under the bus what a complete moron Hes the head coach and ultimately the Buck stops with him.
oster
Did anyone see the absolute smug, absolute arrogance of the hopless, hapless Foster interview that he gave online after the Rugby Union scyophants had given him the nod that they were keeping him on.
"As far as Foster was concerned it was about the TEAM not performing."
Our Rugby Union have demonstrated to the NZ rugby public that they along with Foster are completely unfit for purpose.
After the woeful tour of Europe last year, every man and his dog could see that Foster wasn't up to the task, yet, even after a review, the secret hand shake mob of the Rugby Union kept him on.
Likewise, the other ARSE LICK. RS of the media; especially THE Break Down and mouthie Jeff Wilson, cannot be honest and expose the continued failings.
This decision defies logic.
If the assistant coaches are not doing their job, then it follows that the "Boss" isn't doing his job either - So should be going as well.....surely
Turned informant & got immunity.
Razor won the Super Rugby title with what I thought was the third best roster in the competition; he obviously understands what NZR doesn't.
I think both he and NZR know that, therefore I am not optimistic that he will be the post-World Cup AB coach. For that to happen, NZR would need a fundamental refresh first, and I am not too optimistic about this either.
I guess the cost of severance for two coaches amounts to the same cost of hiring a new one.
Oh well,, two better than none ,I guess sadly razor gets over looked again,Hopefully it Can't get any worse , good lux ,, too the boys ,and the new coaching staff, I know we can't win them all ,, but we will learn and adapt and conquer the world these loses are in our DNA now , and I can't wait for the next generation too stand up and kick ass .
The Imposter is still there