Ian Foster told by NZ Rugby to resign if All Blacks don't improve

Ian Foster has reportedly been told to resign if the All Blacks fail to show any “definitive improvements” in their two test matches against the Springboks in South Africa.

According to a report in the New Zealand Herald, NZR chief executive Mark Robinson held a tense meeting with Foster after the series against Ireland. Foster was reportedly told during the meeting that if performances and results don’t improve in South Africa, he will be expected to resign.

The report adds that Foster responded by saying that if NZR want him out, they will have to sack him. 

Sacking Foster and his staff would cost New Zealand Rugby in excess of NZ$3 million (£1,55 million, €1,85 million) according to the report. Foster is believed to be on NZ$1 million (£520 000, €620 000) per year, he still has 18 months left on his contract.

Earlier in the week, Stuff.co.nz reported that two losses in South Africa would force New Zealand Rugby's hand.

RANKED: Current Tier 1 coaches' win ratios

STATS AND FACTS

For the first time in 13 years, and just the fourth time in the history of New Zealand sports betting, the All Blacks are underdogs going into a Test match.

Only three Tests have previously been played at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit – 2013 against Scotland, 2014 against Wales and 2016 against Argentina.

New Zealand have won nine of their last 12 men’s Tests against South Africa (D1, L2); the All Blacks have won each of their last four matches on South African soil, however their last two such victories have come by margins of just two points or fewer.

South Africa have won six of their last seven men’s Tests on home soil (L1), conceding 20+ points in a match just once during that period; three of their last five wins at home have come after leading at halftime on the day.

South Africa have won five of their last seven men’s Tests (L2) after losing three in a row previously; however, the Springboks have scored 4+ tries in a game just once during that period and led their opposition at halftime on just one occasion

Springbok record against New Zealand:

Played 101

Won 37

Lost 60

Drawn 4

Points for: 1625

Points against: 2098

Tries scored 156

Tries conceded 229

Highest score 46-40 in Johannesburg (2000)

Biggest win 17-0 in Durban, 1928

Win % 36%.