Coach Ian Foster refused to discuss his future with the All Blacks after their 2-1 loss in a three-test series at home against Ireland that ended with a 32-22 defeat in Wellington.
Ian Foster and Sam Cane
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Foster, who was named head coach in 2019 and last year had his contract extended until the 2023 Rugby World Cup, is under increasing pressure after New Zealand recorded their first back-to-back home defeats in 24 years.
“I just want to talk about the test match,” Foster said.
“New Zealanders have probably got to realise that this was a very good Irish team.”
Foster said the All Blacks had not been as calm as Ireland, who deserved their “time in the sun” for their inspiring win.
“In the defence area we’re getting a bit fidgety, there’s a few holes and Ireland aren’t a team you can let get behind because that is when they play an up-tempo game,” he added.
Foster also defended his decision to replace captain Sam Cane 15 minutes away from the end by saying New Zealand needed “fresh legs”.
“We were just trying to keep the momentum going so it wasn’t a reflection on Sam or his leadership, we had just got momentum and lost it again and felt we needed to make a couple of tweaks.”
Meanwhile Ireland coach Andy Farrell said it was a special day for the sport back home and even the country as a whole after his side claimed the win.
“It’s a special day, isn’t it? A special day for everyone back home, for everyone that’s involved in Irish rugby, for everyone that’s Irish, this is pretty special,” Farrell said.
“I can’t speak enough of these boys. They keep surprising me, they keep turning up and 100% believed in themselves.
“I’m so pleased that it’s been worth every penny for the supporters who were here. It’s a special group of players and they deserve everything they get.”
Farrell said that the team had worked on making sure they were more clinical in the last few matches.
“We managed to keep our composure for what is a tremendous day for everyone.”
“It got a bit loose with the high balls, they were playing wide-wide, but we managed to find a way.”
“That’s what good teams do. That’s what New Zealand have done in the past.”
-Reuters
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