Ian Foster is “proud” of what the All Blacks have achieved in France, but is aware of the challenge that the Boks pose to New Zealand’s goal of a record fourth World Cup title.
The Kiwi head coach was speaking at a team announcement on Thursday, having made one change to the starting XV to play the Springboks in the World Cup final in Paris on Saturday.
Brodie Retallick replaces fellow veteran lock Sam Whitelock in the second row. Whitelock, the most-capped All Black, is named on the bench for his 153rd Test appearance and will become the first men’s player in history to make three World Cup deciders.
He is also one of six World Cup winners in the All Blacks match-day 23.
There is one additional personnel change to the bench with tighthead prop Nepo Laulala replacing Fletcher Newell.
“It is an honour to fly our nation’s flag in the World Cup final once again,” said Foster, with the All Blacks having won the World Cup in 1987, 2011 and 2015.
“We are proud of what we have achieved so far in this tournament, but the job is not done yet and we know full well the challenge that lies ahead.
“Of the seven World Cups that have been held outside of New Zealand, the All Blacks have only managed to win one. It goes to show just how hard it is to do but this group is determined to work hard for each other, as we have done all year.”
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Foster said making the final had been great following a lot of criticism after a series loss to Ireland and then a record defeat by South Africa in a pre-tournament warm-up.
“I’m just starting to get my back straight after last year,” he quipped. “It’s a tough game when you’re trying to get the performance right and it’s a tough game when people around you see things differently.
“We’ve learned a lot about ourselves.”
But Foster insisted it was no shock, at least for him and the squad, that the All Blacks had made the final.
“We might have surprised a few people, but I don’t think we’ve surprised ourselves,” he said, adding that both teams “have a massive regard for each other”.
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“It’s a pretty cool week to get ready for.”
Skipper Sam Cane said the squad boasted “a lot of experience”, adding: “We’re in a good place and with that comes confidence. There’ll be a high level of emotion.”
Cane said a pulsating quarter-final victory over Ireland, followed by a convincing semi-final win over Argentina, had set the squad up nicely.
“We’ve played two finals, two knockouts, in a row, so I trust we’re in a good spot there. The boys have prepared well,” Cane said.
“Although it’s a final, it is another game and we have go out there and trust ourselves to play good footy.
“Each week we’re trying to be better and we’re going to have to be at our very best defensively and in attack on Saturday. If we do that, we give ourselves a good shot.”
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