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'Foster can't survive this' - Social media bells toll for All Blacks boss
By Ian Cameron
The rising tide of critics calling for All Blacks head coach Ian Foster to be axed by the NZR has raised another octave following New Zealand’s latest galling loss to Irish.
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Andy Farrell’s men took the three-Test series 2-1 in Wellington, becoming the first northern hemisphere team to win a series on New Zealand soil since France in 1994.
It was the first time the All Blacks have lost back-to-back Test matches at home since 1998.
While some were more measured, others were gleefully sticking the boot into the 57-year-old on social media. Regardless of whether one feels the public sentiment on these matters might be a tad reactionary, the figures don’t lie and paint a picture of a side that is in a steep decline under Foster’s control.
Renowned broadcaster and commentator Graham Simmons wrote: “What really doesn’t help Ian Foster right now is the fact that the one game in which NZ turned up, he didn’t because of Covid. Tough times.”
What really doesn't help Ian Foster right now is the fact that the one game in which NZ turned up, he didn't because of Covid.
Tough times.
— Graham Simmons (@grahamjsimmons) July 16, 2022
Journalist and broadcaster Christy Doran wrote: “All Blacks lose consecutive Tests in New Zealand for the first time since 1998. They’ve now lost four of their past five Tests under Ian Foster – three of those to Ireland, including tonight 32-22. Under Foster, the All Blacks have lost for the first time to Argentina, too.”
All Blacks lose consecutive Tests in New Zealand for the first time since 1998.
They’ve now lost four of their past five Tests under Ian Foster – three of those to Ireland, including tonight 32-22.
Under Foster, the All Blacks have lost for the first time to Argentina, too.
— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) July 16, 2022
RugbyPass + writer Owain Jones wrote: “The All Blacks seem to have lost the confidence that was a given for so long. Getting pummeled by Ireland at home is staggering. Are the players poor or do they not believe in their coaching team? Ian Foster under immense pressure.”
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The All Blacks seem to have lost the confidence that was a given for so long. Getting pummeled by Ireland at home is staggering. Are the players poor or do they not believe in their coaching team? Ian Foster under immense pressure.
— Owain Jones (@OwainJTJones) July 16, 2022
South African pundit Mark Keohane, who been milling into Foster for the last few weeks, observed: ‘Ian Foster, reappointed before his team has played anyone in top 5, is now 2/7 v SA, Ire & France.’
Ian Foster, reappointed before his team has played anyone in top 5, is now 2/7 v SA, Ire & France
— Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) July 16, 2022
“Ian Foster is toast. He has to be dumped if he hasn’t resigned by the end of the match. The All Blacks are being out-thought and outplayed by a brilliant Ireland side, and there seems to be zero plan to the AB game,” noted another account.
Ian Foster is toast. He has to be dumped if he hasn't resigned by the end of the match. The All Blacks are being out-thought and outplayed by a brilliant Ireland side, and there seems to be zero plan to the AB game. #AllBlacks
— RantingMrP (@RantingMrP) July 16, 2022
“We all know that Ian Foster isn’t the right man to turn the All Blacks around, but the decline started under Steve Hansen,” wrote Samuel Hill. “Fans and analysts were in denial when NZ failed to beat the Lions in a series at home – and were speechless when England smashed us at the World Cup.
“Ian Foster can’t survive this. He keeps picking players with no brains. Tu’ungafasi, Fainga’nuku, Ioane, Ioane, Laulala. His captain Cane is invisible. We’re being bullied and bashed because we keep doing dumb stuff. This is probably the worst team we’ve had this century.”
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https://twitter.com/SamuelHillNZ/status/1545883161023770624
https://twitter.com/SamuelHillNZ/status/1548213170057072648
“There’s a reason Ian Foster never won anything at provincial level. The process of selecting a coach was farcical as well having a former netball coach and banker on the panel. The NZRU don’t have the balls to sack him. They’re all his mates and know nothing about Rugby!” barracked another.
There’s a reason Ian Foster never won anything at provincial level. The process of selecting a coach was farcical as well having a former netball coach and banker on the panel. The NZRU don’t have the balls to sack him. They’re all his mates and know nothing about Rugby!
— ?? (@TennaTweets) July 16, 2022
Other saw the funny side, poking fun at Foster’s miserable run of fortune as head coach.
Ian Foster reminding the team about the game plan at half time pic.twitter.com/jdFDsG39rM
— Ben Thomas (@BenThomasNZ) July 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/MaryAnneGrace9/status/1548215222669717505
RIP Ian Foster.
This is embarrassing.— Mark Stewart (@MarkStewartNZ) July 16, 2022
Someone’s already gone to work on Ian Foster’s Wikipedia page pic.twitter.com/MJotSak4zX
— Tom Day (@tomdaynz) July 16, 2022
Well done Ireland and more importantly congratulations to Ian Foster for another historic moment coaching the All Blacks!
— Sanjay Patel (@spat106) July 16, 2022
The real question is whether the NZR decide the make the call now or go into a Rugby World Cup year in the first shape they’ve been in as a professional team.