Coach Ian Foster refused to discuss his New Zealand future after their 2-1 loss in a three-Test series at home against Ireland that ended with a 32-22 defeat in Wellington on Saturday.
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 told reporters. “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.
Your complete guide to all the festive sporting action including TV details
Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards: ‘The greatest collection of women in Irish sport in one place ever assembled’
Two-time Olympic champion Kellie Harrington named Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year 2024
Pub staff struggled to keep up with giddy Shamrock Rovers fans who enjoyed every moment of Chelsea trip
“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.”
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2022
