Ella Bates-Hermans/Stuff
Mark Robinson has been relatively quiet since the series’ loss to Ireland.
New Zealand rugby boss Mark Robinson has notably refused to support the future of All Blacks coach Ian Foster after the looming two tests against world champion Springboks in South Africa.
With the All Blacks in a slump after dropping four of their last five Tests and losing their first home run in 28 years, Foster’s future in the top job has been a subject of heavy speculation.
Following the 2-1 July defeat to Ireland, many critics called for a change at the top of the All Blacks lineup, but New Zealand Rugby’s response has been to sack two Foster appointees as assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mooar and get the key from Scott Robertson. Crusaders assistant Jason Ryan.
Many also noted that NZ Rugby chief executive Robinson had been “invisible” due to the turmoil following the Irish defeat and subsequent fallout, including a canceled media appearance by Foster on the Sunday after losing to the Wellington decider.
But Robinson made his first public appearances on Saturday, fronting an interview from Birmingham on Newstalk ZB, where he addressed the key issues currently surrounding him. Or at least maneuvered to make an important comment about many of them.
But when asked at the beginning of the interview whether he insisted Foster was the right person to coach the All Blacks to the World Cup, Robinson’s answer was telling.
“He is definitely the person to lead the team to South Africa, and we are making sure they have everything possible in terms of resources and support to make sure this is successful,” he said.
Translation: Foster is the man to fight the Boks. After that, nothing is guaranteed.
(More to come)