Under-fire All Blacks coach Ian Foster said he believed his team took “a step up” despite losing 26-10 to the Springboks in the Rugby Championship opener in Mbombela on Saturday.
READ | SPRINGBOKS TO RETURN TO THE HOME OF RUGBY TO TAKE ON ENGLAND
Foster, under pressure after the All Blacks lost a home series against Ireland last month, said there had been encouraging aspects in the latest performance.
The loss to the Springboks was the fifth in six matches after three defeats by Ireland and another by France.
WIN | TICKETS TO WATCH THE SPRINGBOKS FACE THE ALL BLACKS AT ELLIS PARK!
Ian Foster has lost nine of 25 matches in charge of the three-time world champions while predecessor Steve Hansen suffered 10 defeats in 107 Tests.
An All Blacks assistant coach during the eight-year reign of Hansen, Foster was a controversial appointment ahead of Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
“It was a step up from our last series,” said Foster.
“The lineout worked well, our maul defence was good and our overall defence was pretty solid but the timing in terms of attack was a bit off.”
‘First 20 minutes hurt All Blacks’ – Ian Foster
He said a string of penalties conceded by the All Blacks in the first 20 minutes had hurt his team.
“I felt we were not getting the rub of the green in the first 20 minutes, so that put us behind a little.”
He said the third quarter of the match, after the All Blacks were fortunate to trail only 10-3 at half-time, was critical.
“We had to get back into the game but all the Springboks did was carry hard and clean hard and earn a couple of penalties. Good on them, that is their game. It is a pressure game.”
Foster acknowledged that the intensity of the match played in front of a passionate sell-out home crowd of 42 367 had affected some of the new players in the touring squad.
“Some of our guys who are here for the first time – that is what you have to go through and experience.”
Ian Foster said that although there was not much time before a second-round match against the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg next Saturday, he was confident of an improved performance.
“As the game unfolded, a few opportunities opened up. There were some handling errors but we made a few good strides. But we have to prove it next week.”
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
