All Blacks fans should do the right thing and admit fault

PARIS – Sitting by himself in the changing rooms at Ellis Park, coach Ian Foster shed some tears after a famous All Blacks win. It wasn’t just an important result for rugby-mad New Zealand – the pressure, strain and scrutiny had been far more personal for Foster.

Armed with pitchforks and torches behind the safety of their keyboards, some All Blacks fans called on New Zealand Rugby to “sack Ian Foster” ahead of that Test in Johannesburg last August.

Including a historic series defeat at home to a red-hot Ireland, the All Blacks had fallen to a disastrous run of five defeats from six starts. One more would’ve been it for coach Foster.

New Zealand – semifinal post-match press conference

New Zealand – semifinal post-match press conference

“We were playing for our coach’s job,” veteran Aaron Smith said on NZR+. This was more than just a rugby game; this was about a man’s livelihood, passion, and pedigree as a Test rugby coach.

New Zealand Rugby chairman Mark Robinson flew to South Africa for the match, which all but confirmed rumours and reports that this would be Foster’s last dance if the All Blacks were beaten once again.

But an inspired All Blacks outfit overcame the world champion Boks 35-23. After returning to New Zealand, NZR publicly backed coach Foster through to the Rugby World Cup.

“We’re very excited about the potential of this incredibly capable and experienced coaching trio (along with assistants Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan) going forward,” NZR chair Stewart Mitchel said on August 17.

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15 months after that ‘unpopular’ decision – it was at the time as All Blacks fans desperately called out for Crusaders boss Scott Robertson as a replacement – Foster has repaid the faith shown in him by the NZR board.

Foster and the All Blacks have overcome doubt and ‘underdog’ status to charge into a fifth Rugby World Cup decider. In what will be a fitting end to Foster’s tenure, South Africa stands in New Zealand’s way of glory.

But before a ball is kicked or a pass is thrown, All Blacks fans should do the right thing and admit fault in their judgment. Win or lose, Foster deserves praise, plaudits and appreciation from those who questioned him so publicly.

Following the commanding 44-6 win over Argentina in Friday night’s semi-final, coach Foster offered a grin as he was asked about proving people wrong at the World Cup. While his eyes initially said one thing, Foster’s speech told another story.

“I am proud to be part of this group, the coaches are linking well with the players and there is a nice synergy about it. But you know, one more week,” Foster told reporters.

“There’s not a personal agenda here, this is about the All Blacks and the team. Things have happened to individuals and to me, but the team comes first. Right now we’re making a lot of those decisions together as a group and it is working well.”

For the last four years, Foster has come under relentless criticism during a tough period for the All Blacks. But Foster rarely responds – he just goes about his business which is the way of the All Blacks.

Along with assistants Ryan and Schmidt, the New Zealanders have turned their form around. They beat Ireland – a team on a 17-Test unbeaten run – in a blockbuster quarter-final in front of 50,000+ Irish supporters just over a week ago.

But while the players have been praised for the All Blacks’ near-perfect execution in their two knockout Tests so far, coach Foster hasn’t received been highlighted as one of the heroes of New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.

That’s outrageous.

It’s shockingly wrong.

Foster has smiled through press conference after press conference in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and even London as he continued to trust in the very team that had believed in him so greatly. The All Blacks have shone when they needed to, and so has their coach.

When the full-time siren sounds on Saturday, win or lose, Foster should be regarded as an all-time great All Blacks coach.

If winning four Rugby Championship titles wasn’t enough, as well as four Bledisloe Cups and Freedom Cups, Foster has made a World Cup final in his first attempt as head coach.

Sir Graham Henry couldn’t even do that.

So, whether the All Blacks win the sport’s ultimate prize or not, Foster has led a written-off All Blacks team to the World Cup final.

New Zealanders, it’s time to give credit where it’s due.