All Blacks head coach Ian Foster says that “every game matters” in what has been the most competitive Rugby Championship since Argentina joined the Tri-Nations to form the tournament in 2012.
After four rounds, only one point separates top-placed New Zealand and bottom-placed Argentina, with all teams having won two and lost two.
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Since its inauguration, New Zealand has dominated the competition, with the All Blacks claiming seven of nine titles.
Tightly contested
However, 2022 has seen an unprecedented level of competition, with Argentina well and truly announcing themselves with a record win over Australia and their first victory in New Zealand.
Foster commended Argentina’s growth and admitted it is “unusual” for the Rugby Championship to be so wide open with two rounds to play.
“It’s a very even competition, so that’s probably where our eyes are firmly at the moment,” said Foster.
“It is definitely unusual, but it’s a sign that Argentina are certainly growing as a team, all their squad is now based in the Northern Hemisphere so they’ve been playing a lot of high competition games in the last couple of years.
“They’ve certainly reaped the rewards of that.”
Foster’s men turn their attention to the Bledisloe Cup which the All Blacks have held since 2002 and the coach believes his team are going into the final two rounds in a good space.
“The mindset’s good,” he said. “We’ve had a few days off. We’d like to get over there and really start our work.
“It’s a big series, we all know the state of the Rugby Championship, it’s a very even competition and every game matters.”
The All Blacks coach has been under tremendous pressure this year as the side has struggled for form, with many calling for Foster to be sacked. However, the 57-year-old received complete backing from New Zealand Rugby to take the team to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Sticking with the coach
All Blacks legend Dan Carter also noted how competitive the Rugby Championship is this season and commended the New Zealand players for sticking up for their coach during challenging times.
“We haven’t had the most successful year. Everyone knows that,” said Carter. “But we are still sitting at the top of the Rugby Championship, which goes to show the level of competition in the tournament this year.
“Consistency is just really lacking for all the teams at the moment, each team is winning one week and losing the next. We’ve seen that with the games between the Springboks and All Blacks and Springboks and Australia.
“There have been a few changes in the All Blacks coaching staff recently. It hard to comment on that from outside the environment. To see the way the players have united and are sticking up for the coaches goes to show that there’s some real heart and character within that group.”
Fans and pundits have called for talented Crusaders coach Scott Robertson to replace Foster. However, Carter distanced himself from commenting without knowing how the internal environment is in the All Blacks camp.
“Razor (Robertson) has been a hugely successful coach for the Crusaders. Ian Foster is also a fantastic coach. It’s really hard for me to comment, not being in that environment,” Carter said.
“The players have really stood up for Fozzie. They had a fantastic performance against Argentina. They just need to get that consistency. They have the talent, they have the players, but they just need to keep working hard for that consistency.”