Kiwi rugby fans have taken a swing at New Zealand Rugby over the appointment of new All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
NZR confirmed the 54-year-old Foster's appointment today, after eight years as assistant under Steve Hansen.
Foster saw off a strong challenge from Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson and has been given a two-year deal.
But many fans have disagreed with NZR's decision to stick with Foster over Robertson, who has been described as the "breath of fresh air" the All Blacks needed.
"YUCK, poor Robertson clearly the best coach and misses out to Ian Foster of all coaches. What a sham this whole process has been - Razor was no chance and the other 24 invited to apply knew they were no chance too. Id [sic] be gutted if he was coaching the chiefs bt nz [sic]," one fan posted on Twitter.
🚨 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT | Ian Foster is the new Head Coach of the All Blacks. FULL STORY 👉🏽 https://t.co/Z9LrFJt9m0#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/nKTzmUMq1H
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) December 11, 2019
"I am disappointed (but not surprised) to hear that Ian Foster will be the next All Blacks coach. NZRU are very risk averse which means more of the old guard. Hard luck Scott Robertson you would have been a breath of fresh air," another wrote.
The social media reaction wasn't all bad, though.
I am disappointed (but not surprised) to hear that Ian Foster will be the next All Blacks coach. NZRU are very risk averse which means more of the old guard. Hard luck Scott Robertson you would have been a breath of fresh air.
— Jango (@DeadpanDuck) December 11, 2019
Some fans pointed out that although Robertson holds a stunning Super Rugby record, Rugby Union was a different ball game.
Others said Foster at least deserved a chance.
"Well it's confirmed. His assistants well most likely be Plumtree Mooar, Feek, McLeod. Foster deserves an chance. He's not Hanson, [sic] he has his own ideas. And the whole coaching panel has changed," one user posted.
Rugby: Ian Foster confirmed as new All Blacks head coach https://t.co/ZssFovfsON Well it’s confirmed. His assistants well most likely be Plumtree Mooar, Feek, McLeod. Foster deserves an chance. He’s not Hanson, he has his own ideas. And the whole coaching panel has changed
— Luke Easton (@3ku1) December 11, 2019
Meanwhile, some in the rugby media world also voiced their opinions on the situation, with Daily Telegraph telegraph journalist Jamie Pandaram saying "rival teams will be relieved" by the All Blacks' appointment.
"Ian Foster named as the new All Blacks head coach for two years (2020-21). Many rival teams will be relieved the Kiwis didn't give the job to Scott Robertson," Pandaram tweeted.
Mike Hytner from The Guardian wrote: "Seen as a risky appointment in some parts, Foster's first task will be to win over a sceptical New Zealand public after the popular Robertson was overlooked."
On the other hand, Routers wrote that Foster could be out the door if he can't keep winning.
"Foster's promotion from assistant under Hansen on a two-year deal is an attempt to extend that dynasty but he knows as well as anyone he will be out the door long before the 2023 World Cup if he cannot keep the All Blacks winning.
"Their inability to break down increasingly efficient defences, coupled with constant shuffling of the midfield selections, was criticised by pundits and is something Foster will need to address before his side meet Wales at Eden Park next July."
Foster didn't shy away from acknowledging the reaction when speaking to media at a press conference in Auckland today.
Ian Foster named as the new All Blacks head coach for two years (2020-21). Many rival teams will be relieved the Kiwis didn’t give the job to Scott Robertson
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram)...
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