All Black legend slams imminent review of NZ vs IRE series
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A dark cloud hangs over New Zealand rugby in the wake of Ireland’s series defeat of the All Blacks on Saturday with possibly large consequences in store for some players and coaching staff.
The All Blacks did not look their usual, formidable selves at the weekend – nor the week before – and were dominated by a skilful and determined Irish outfit which has led to calls for Ian Foster’s head to roll with the World Cup in France near at hand. NZR CEO Mark Robinson has labelled the result “unacceptable” called for a review of the series.
However, Robinson’s decision has been met with hostility by All Black legend John Kirwan. Speaking on Sky Sports NZ’ The Breakdown, Kirwan said:
“We did a review six months ago, so why are we doing another review? And who’s going to do it?
“Who selected them [the coaches] in the first place? How many rugby people were on the original selection committee? What are we reviewing? That statement from the CEO really annoys me.
“We’ve had it six months ago… Foster reviewed well, his three assistants didn’t, and I presume he went and said, ‘We’ll fix it.’ So after six months if it’s still clunky and it’s not working, what do you do?
“Why doesn’t Mark Robinson come out and say that? ‘We’ve got faith in the coaches.’ Everyone’s stopping and saying, ‘Are they going to get rid of Foster?’
“The CEO needs to come out and go, ‘We’ve done the review six months ago, we’re confident it’s turning around, it’s only three test matches.’ He’s throwing his coach under the bus people!
“Because everyone’s going, ‘Oh, meeting today, he’s going to sack him.’ Just come out and support him… What’s the review? Three days? He’s going to present to the board on Wednesday. What’s the review?”
It does not appear that Foster has any intention of stepping away and backed himself at the post-match press conference to continue in his duties.
The All Blacks now face a two-Test tour of South Africa commencing on 6 August as the Rugby Championship kicks off.
