New Zealand coach Ian Foster relishing Springboks clash after Pumas romp
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Debutant New Zealand winger Emoni Narawa scoring a try during the Rugby Championship 2023 first round match against Argentina on July 8.
PHOTO: AFP
MENDOZA, Argentina – New Zealand head coach Ian Foster says a showdown with the in-form Springboks is a challenge his All Blacks need, following their 41-12 thumping of Argentina in Mendoza last Saturday in the Rugby Championship.
He predicted that Saturday’s match against South Africa in Auckland will be “a big one”, after the world champions were equally dominant in their 43-12 defeat of Australia in Pretoria earlier last Saturday.
The clash at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium looks set to determine the winners of the Rugby Championship, which is shortened to just three rounds of matches ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France, which runs from Sept 8 to Oct 28.
The Springboks fielded a weakened team in some positions against the Wallabies, choosing to fly a dozen players to New Zealand early in preparation to face the All Blacks.
Foster expects a blockbuster encounter.
“A big one – it’s always big, we love playing South Africa,” the 58-year-old said.
“They have taken 10, 11 or 12 players and put them over in Auckland early, so they have clearly got a plan, but our purpose in these first two weeks is to get this group together,” he added.
“There is no better foe to play next week.”
Foster said his team cannot expect to make the same scintillating start against the Springboks as they did in Mendoza, where they crossed for three tries in the opening 12 minutes against Los Pumas.
Hooker Dane Coles, No. 8 Ardie Savea, centres Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane, scrum-half Aaron Smith, fullback Beauden Barrett and debutant winger Emoni Narawa all scored.
“I’m really pleased with the way we started, the first half we were outstanding,” New Zealand captain Sam Cane said. “The second half was a bit of an arm-wrestle but I am proud of that result.
“The key to the first 20 minutes was our discipline and how ruthless we were on attack. We were really clinical and able to get the ball into space.”
However, with his team 31-0 ahead at the interval, Foster was pleased they were able to largely remain “clinical” when Argentina showed some aggression in the second half.
“I thought we got a little bit over-ambitious in the final 15 (minutes) and tried to force things, which gave them some free shots at us,” he added critically.
“It’s a bit of a wake-up call – the first half was great, the second half is probably more of what’s to come.”
New Zealand fly-half Damian McKenzie was among the standout performers after being named as a surprise starter ahead of Richie Mo’unga.
He may have done enough to earn another start in Auckland, either as at fly half or fullback, in what he says will be a big occasion.
“They (Springboks) got off to a great start as well,” he said.
“We’ll enjoy this win, but it will be nice to get back home and play in front of our home crowd. It’s going to be a challenge.” AFP, REUTERS
