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This article was initially printed by Stuff and is reproduced with permission
OPINION: NZ Rugby has obtained itself right into a proper outdated mess, hasn’t it?
Their resolution to stay with Ian Foster as All Blacks coach as an alternative of appointing Scott Robertson made the worst potential begin in Christchurch on Saturday night time when Argentina produced an impressive blood and guts efficiency to supply a surprising 25-18 victory at Orangetheory Stadium.
It wouldn’t be over egging issues to say the excessive clergymen of NZ Rugby will need to have felt like they’d stumbled right into a horror present, and change into the primary characters, after what unfolded in entrance of their eyes.
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This, bear in mind, was Argentina’s first ever win on New Zealand soil. What a nightmare.
So many questions can be requested, once more, about whether or not Foster is the fitting man to be the coach of this group by means of to the World Cup.
And to assume, issues began so properly for Foster.
Before the sport he marched up the steps in direction of his workplace by swapping pleasantries with the native punters.
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There was no heckling, no belligerent behaviour from the followers as they watched him edge his manner in direction of the coach’s field together with his assistants.
Foster would have welcomed the respectful greeting.
Because, bear in mind, this was ‘Razor’ Robertson nation, the person many believed ought to have changed Foster as coach when NZ Rugby final week determined to evaluate whether or not the incumbent must be retained.
Instead Crusaders coach Robertson, having been as soon as once more neglected for the job, was on vacation in Australia. This was Foster’s present.
Afterwards, although, everybody was left asking. What on earth is going on with the All Blacks? What occurs now?
When Foster settled into his chair alongside assistants Joe Schmidt, Jason Ryan and Scott McLeod, he would have been hoping – no, anticipating – his group to construct on their 35-23 win over the Springboks in Johannesburg a fortnight earlier.
This was an enormous second for the individuals of Christchurch.
Starved of All Blacks Tests since 2016, as a result of NZ Rugby wasn’t ready to stage fixtures within the modest “temporary” stadium in the suburb of Addington, they filled their bellies with beers and tucker in the bars and restaurants before arriving at the rickety stadium with high hopes of seeing the All Blacks reproduce another sparkling performance.
They didn’t get it. Not by a long shot.
Two tries to hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and left wing Caleb Clarke were obvious highlights for the All Blacks, so too was their tenacity in defence as they didn’t concede a try, but the discipline was poor – they conceded eight penalties in the first 40 minutes – and the catch-pass game that had been a delight to watch in Johannesburg lost its sheen.
Referee Nika Amashukeli might have wished to replace his whistle at halftime, such was the work-out he gave the instrument.
The Georgian also caned the Argentinians in the first spell, which contributed to a frustrating spectacle for the 20,300 fans who quickly grew tired of watching the sharpshooters calling for the kicking tees, or hoofing for the touchline for lineouts.
No wonder, then, that midway through the first half the crowd had already started launching into repeat sets of Mexican waves, or did their best to please a fellow who repeatedly bellowed over the loudspeaker that it was time to add to the noise level.
It was all rather painful. And it was to get much worse.
As the minutes kept ticking over, the anxiety levels climbed for the All Blacks and around 20,000 fans in the ground.
Not for the few vocal Argentinian fans who boldly – might say bravely – stood and screamed their lungs out in support of their men.
A try to Juan Martin Gonzalez, with Emiliano Boffelli kicking 20 points, pushed Argentina out to a 25-18 lead with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Then the rot started to set in. A sloppy exit after the kickoff, a result in the visitors charging at the All Blacks like a line of wild men running into battle, led to the ball spilling loose and No.8 Gonzalez unleashed a powerful run to the line.
What followed was like watching a car skid on black ice, with no brakes, as the All Blacks repeatedly failed to find ways to bust through the ferocious South American defensive line.
Mistakes mounted. A wonderful chance to deliver a punch – metaphorically speaking – between the Pumas eyes was lost in the 61st minute.
An attacking lineout was botched when replacement hooker Codie Taylor threw the ball too far over the back and Argentina couldn’t believe their luck.
For the media scribblers, who were seated outside behind the All Blacks squad members who weren’t picked to play, this was also a chance to see how they reacted to seeing their teammates struggle for cohesion on the grass.
Their faces were creased with worry lines. And, their upside down smiles continued when blindside flanker Shannon Frizell was yellow carded, a consequence of the All Blacks conceding too many ruck penalties for the ref’s liking.
Argentina left the ground feeling like kings.
Now All Blacks fans are again asking if Foster is the right man to be in charge of their team.
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