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Foster's All Blacks won't get let off the hook with patty-cake fixtures this year
The old boys’ network have reason to be nervous.
Sure, Super Rugby Pacific might be putting you to sleep, but fear not New Zealand footy fans.
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For the first time since we started paying players over the table, in 1996, professional rugby might finally be upon us.
Yes, a test season has arrived that could shame New Zealand Rugby (NZR) into acting like a proper outfit. No more amateur ethos, no more jobs for the boys, we stand on the precipice of seeing an All Blacks coach sacked prior to their contract expiring.
We’ve got Ireland here for a test series, two matches against the Springboks in South Africa and a home-and-away Bledisloe Cup.
There’s no Tonga to towel up. No Fiji to flog.
No, just some respectable opposition that could put NZR’s courage to the test.
Yes, we’re dealing with might be’s and could be’s here, but let’s just crystal ball gaze for a minute.
Could the All Blacks lose to Ireland? Could they lose one or both of their Rugby Championship clashes with South Africa? Could they share the spoils in their two tests against Australia?
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If nothing else, I know I’ll be watching when these matches roll around.
But imagine if Foster’s All Blacks struggle and imagine if this type of scenario does play out. What’ll happen then?
Sackings are part and parcel of true professional sport, but anathema to how we do things here.
New Zealand coaches largely see their contracts out, particularly rugby ones.
But Foster’s has been an underwhelming tenure thus far, punctuated by losses to Australia, Argentina, Ireland and France. Selections and tactics have caused head scratching, allied to a general alarm at seeing the All Blacks’ pack dismantled on occasions.
So far NZR have stuck solid, extending Foster’s contract until 2023 despite him doing next-to-nothing to deserve that.
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You assume that was to create certainty and quell any speculation that the head coach’s position could be in question.
But, seriously, what if Ireland do come here and do turn the All Blacks over and do win their first test on our soil? What then? Heaven forbid the Irish might go the whole hog and win the actual series.
I guarantee you questions about Foster’s suitability will be running rampant then.
The opposite could prove true too. The All Blacks could comfortably account for Ireland, then go to South Africa and sort out the Springboks. At that point NZR and Foster would be impregnable and some would be calling for a contract extension through to 2027.
But, on the balance of what you’ve seen under his watch so far, do you think that’s probable?
I have no personal skin in the game. The team’s results are neither here nor there to me.
What’s always intrigued me is the way NZR do their business.
Who counts among their favoured few and who doesn’t? Who within the organisation is capable of making a brave decision and who isn’t?
There’s many people beyond the hallways of NZR HQ who regard succession as a flawed system by which to appoint coaches. But, for as long as Foster can win enough games, NZR can continue to justify his appointment.
So what’s acceptable to you, in terms of wins and losses this year? And how grumpy will you get if that threshold’s not met?
It makes for a fascinating test season, with the potential to create the intensity and interest that the game sorely needs right now.
Fan apathy is worse than anger, but I think that’s where people are. They assumed NZR would pick Foster as coach and have struggled to warm to him and the team since.
Far from being irate when the team lost to Ireland and France last year, many were at the point where they weren’t actually watching anymore.
Well, I reckon they’ll be watching this year, with family and friends round, maybe a few beers on board.
It’s all very well to lose to Ireland in Dublin or Chicago, but do it on these shores and we’ll see how angry an All Blacks’ fanbase can get.
NZ Rugby might find it hard to complacently maintain the status quo then.
Who says Mr Foster isn't the right person to be All Blacks coach? The only result that really matters is in about 18 months time. The rugby world cup is what it's all about. In my opinion changing coaches now would just spell the end of the All Blacks chances in France at the world cup. So here's a novel idea instead of bagging the team and/or the coaches try and be supportive of them.
I always wonder why the all blacks have to tour Europe after smashing up each other in our competition and the tri nation comp the nz rugby board are only after money , thecoach needs to be sacked along with assistance coach the both have idea about picking players and stop changing there preferred place Borden Barret has been out of form at first five Morwanga is the number one first five B.B cost us in the world cup against England and the Irish France Roberson is the best at the wake up rugby union there's to many north island players in the team at the moment think with your head and not your loho L.Mains will always be my number one coach he's not a trattoria like all the other coaches are
Perhaps the worst result, and unfortunately I think the most likely, will be a middling performance. Dropping a test against the Irish, one against the Boks, a draw or narrow win against Oz, one on the NH tour. Always not quite enough at any given time for NZR to do anything about it (“we’re just turning the corner” a-la Eddie Jones). And then a QF exit next year against one of Ireland or France.
If the All Blacks lose to Ireland - even one Test, the writing should be on the wall for Foster and Co. But to lose two to the Boks, or the Bledisloe to the Wallabies, and even the Waikatonese will be baying for blood!! And if any of those things happen, the NZR's credibility and the All Blacks mana (what there is left of it after the disasters last season) will take YEARS to recover in eyes of NZ rugby fans!! I, for one, shudder to think what this year could possibly bring. But if any of those things happen, contract or no contract, Foster should be toast!! And get someone in there who knows how to COACH!
This could be the worst year for the All Blacks since 1998. As you say Ireland is playing very well. The Springboks are at the top of their game. The Wallabies (with their overseas players) are a different team. It is realistically possible that the All Blacks could lose all those games. I would be surprised if the All Blacks all of them, but I would be more surprised if they won them all.