John Plumtree All Blacks

John Plumtree. ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

All Blacks axe former Sharks coach in brutal shake-up

The All Blacks have opted to axe two assistant coaches, but have kept Ian Foster in the top job, as the Rugby Championship looms.

John Plumtree All Blacks

John Plumtree. ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Under-fire Foster has retained his job, but forwards coach John Plumtree – who previously coached the Sharks – and attack coach Brad Mooar – who has also spent time working in South Africa before – have been fired from the All Blacks at the conclusion of “robust and in-depth conversations”.

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The Boks are set to face the All Blacks in a blockbuster double-header in the first half of August, with New Zealand coming off the back of a humbling series defeat against Ireland, while South Africa clinched a 2-1 series win over Wales.

On Friday, Foster insisted he can still turn around the fortunes of the misfiring All Blacks as he resisted calls to drop Sam Cane as captain for the Rugby Championship after a historic home series defeat.

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There have been serious question marks hanging over the balance and quality of the current All Blacks squad, and while Foster is also under immense pressure, he has suggested “we have a plan to play a brand of rugby against South Africa that New Zealanders will be proud of.”

Now, two key coaches have now been axed, while Jason Ryan has been brought in from the Crusaders. Ryan has served as the forwards coach for the champion Crusaders team for the past six years, in which they have won six Super Rugby titles.

“Right now, I am really feeling for two fine men who are great rugby coaches that made an enormous contribution to the All Blacks,” Foster said.“I have no doubt both coaches will go on to great success and I want to thank them for their hard work.

“Jason is a proven performer with plenty of experience at international level,” said Foster. “Last year we witnessed first-hand the impact he has made on Fiji’s forwards, adding to his continual growth as the forwards coach of the Crusaders. His appointment now is clearly with an eye to the future and to the RWC 2023.”

Joe Schmidt now formally starts his role as independent All Blacks selector. In addition to that, Schmidt has a key analysis role and will work with Foster on overall strategy and attack play. 

Foster will resume leading the backs in the short term.

THE ALL BLACKS WILL SOON FACE THE BOKS IN THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP:

Saturday, 6 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, 17:05

Saturday, 13 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 17:05

Saturday, 27 August: Springboks v Australia – Adelaide Oval, 07:30

Saturday, 3 September: Springboks v Australia – Allianz Stadium, 11:35

Saturday, 17 September: Springboks v Argentina – Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires, 21:10

Saturday, 24 September: Springboks v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, 17:05

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