Ian Foster believes the unfamiliar underdog tag his side faces will increase their title hopes at the World Cup, despite few giving the All Blacks a chance to win this year’s event.
Foster’s reign has been plagued with unwanted records. Under his guidance the All Blacks suffered their first ever defeat to Argentina while also losing a first home series to Ireland last year.
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A loss to the Springboks in Mbombela led to serious questions about Foster’s future with the team, but NZ Rugby backed him to stay as head coach until the end of the World Cup. Foster will be succeeded by Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson after the tournament.
The bookies favour the All Blacks, second only to hosts France who are favourites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Asked by New Zealand media whether his team could win a record fourth World Cup, Foster said: “Absolutely. The good thing is not too many other people think we can, that’s a slightly unusual space to be in as All Blacks.
“It doesn’t change our belief. But belief is only one thing: you’ve got to put it to work. We’ve got a job to do, and can’t wait to start.”
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Foster named a 36-man squad on Sunday for the shortened Rugby Championship which kicks off on 8 July, with the All Blacks set to face Argentina in Mendoza.
The past has shown that success or lack thereof in the Rugby Championship during a World Cup year has little effect on the All Blacks. The Kiwi’s failed to win the Championship in 2011 and 2015 but successfully managed back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
Despite this, Foster is keen on throwing the kitchen sink into this years championship.
“Last year we had a bit of adversity, we got tight, and we’re actually craving as many big games as we can get at the moment,” said Foster.
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“We want to go in fully loaded to this Rugby Championship. I think it’s important for us to get back up to speed really quickly, and get our game right.”
Photo: Twitter: @AllBlacks