Former Ireland star slams ‘clown’ Foster
Neil Francis says under-fire All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s “baroque stupidity” is the root cause for the former world champions’ current troubles.
Neil Francis says under-fire All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s “baroque stupidity” is the root cause for the former world champions’ current troubles.
Having enjoyed a week’s respite, Ian Foster’s worthiness as All Blacks coach is back under tense media and public scrutiny in New Zealand following their second Test loss to Ireland on Saturday.
Ireland secured their first victory over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil in an eventful clash in Dunedin on Saturday.
Follow the action as the All Blacks face Ireland in Dunedin in the second match of their three-Test series.
Johnny Sexton was named on Thursday in the Ireland side to face New Zealand in the second Test, despite the veteran flyhalf failing a concussion assessment during last week’s defeat in Auckland.
Coach Ian Foster admitted on Thursday that New Zealand’s set-piece play could be compromised by fielding a smaller, more mobile, forward pack after he brought in flank Dalton Papalii as his only All Blacks change for the second Test against Ireland.
The All Blacks will be without two pivotal players as they look to clinch the three-Test series against Ireland in Dunedin on Saturday.
New Zealand will have all three Barrett brothers available for the second Test against Ireland after flanker Scott escaped a citing for dangerous play in the series opener in Auckland.
The Springboks, All Blacks, Wallabies and Los Pumas all began the Test season with victories over northern hemisphere opponents on Saturday.
Jordie Barrett scored 19 points as the All Blacks thrashed Ireland for a convincing six-try victory in Auckland on Saturday night.