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All Blacks thumped by Springboks as Ian Foster fights for job

By Sam Worthington with AP

Under-fire All Blacks coach Ian Foster raised eyebrows as he called Sunday’s 26-10 loss to the Springboks “probably our best performance of the year.”

New Zealand was bossed in scrums, at the breakdown and in the aerial contests as the world champions flexed their muscle in the Rugby Championship opener amid an electric atmosphere in Mbombela.

The All Blacks have now lost five of their last six Tests under Foster and are poised to drop to fifth in the world rankings when they are officially released next week.

Watch every match of the 2022 Rugby Championship – featuring the Wallabies, All Blacks, Springboks and Pumas – live, ad free and exclusive on Stan Sport

Their current status of fourth is already a historic low.

“In many ways this was probably our best performance of the year,” Foster said.

“I think we really did well at the lineouts, we defended their drives, we didn’t get any calls in that first half but our defense was really strong. It was a game dominated by defense and a couple of high ball errors. The timing was a fraction out against their line speed.”

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Foster was very grumpy about how the Springboks contested high kicks and indicated the All Blacks will raise their concerns with the officials.

“We’re going to have another look at them chucking bodies at us in the air,” Foster said.

“Pretty frustrated with that. The one in the first half we weren’t very happy with and certainly that last one was very dangerous.

“That’s part of the game we’ve got to sort out.”

The same teams meet again at Ellis Park next weekend and Foster’s job is hanging by a thread.

“There’s enough there to show we’re moving in the right direction,” Foster claimed.

“These are big Test matches and it hurts to drop it. Obviously there’s a lot of pressure around the team at the moment and everyone feels that. It ain’t easy, to be honest.”

The Springboks scored two tries, one at the start by winger Kurt-Lee Arendse and one right at the end by replacement Willie le Roux as the All Blacks launched a desperate late attack deep in their own 22 in an attempt to salvage some pride.

The Springboks were in control throughout and had a big territorial advantage to work with, although they finished with 14 men after Arendse was issued a red card – while he was lying flat out receiving medical attention – for a highly dangerous charge in the air on Beauden Barrett.

The Boks led 19-3 and were grinding their way to a big victory when the All Blacks finally broke clear of the home defense in the dying minutes with a bust by winger Caleb Clarke.

He was dragged down just short in an incredible tackle by Damian Willemse but replacement forward Shannon Frizell was on hand to score the only All Blacks try with two minutes to go.

But Frizell was the man to drop a pass from captain Sam Cane soon after, allowing le Roux to kick ahead and score, and seal the win.

Springboks five-eighth Handre Pollard kicked 16 points while hooker Malcolm Marx was a breakdown menace and center Lukhanyo Am typically superb.

Rugby’s most successful team was already in the midst of its worst run in 24 years after last month’s historic home series loss to Ireland and is dangerously close to its worst set of results ever.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has only guaranteed Foster’s survival for the tour of South Africa.

“It’s a damn challenging time at the moment because we’re working damn hard to get parts of our game right,” Cane said.

“That first half we didn’t really throw a punch. They were very good tonight, played their game of footy which can suffocate you.

“We didn’t take the high ball well enough and we didn’t well enough at the breakdown. It’s not like there’s a lack of effort or belief. It’s a very challenging time – we’ve just got to get back on the horse .

“It’s not like we’re way off but it doesn’t take away how disappointed we are.”

Meanwhile, inspirational Springboks captain Siya Kolisi praised the Mbombela crowd for their impact.

“Hopefully us performing like this lifts the people,” Kolisi said.

“For a lot of countries rugby is just a game – for us it’s far more than that.”

Kolisi added that he still had massive respect for the struggling All Blacks.

“I don’t care what people say, I know that team is strong.”

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Newcastle Knights’ axing of coach’s coach a mystery

Newcastle Knights' axing of coach's coach a mystery

Another point of debate has been the influence of banned manager Moses. He represents the coach and assistant coach Blake Green. Knights recruitment boss Clint Zammit is a former employee of Moses. There are a host of players managed by Moses’ company, Cove Agency.

Brisbane, Parramatta and the Warriors have all had issues when stacked with players or coaches linked to Moses.

pride please

Ian Roberts has shown considerable tolerance and understanding of the “Manly seven”, saying “it would be a kick in the guts” if the NRL failed to introduce a Pride Round next year.

Seven Sea Eagles players refused to wear a rainbow jersey designed to promote inclusivity against the Roosters and so did not play.

“We have just been through all that shit and, I’m not like vilifying the seven guys, I believe it’s a conversation that you have to have,” Roberts said. “We have to be mature. I’m confident and hopeful but, of course, just worried that pushback is going to derail and scare people. It’s time for the NRL to stand up and back this. Having a float in the Mardi Gras is box ticking in my eyes. It’s great, but it’s a toe in the water. It’s time to jump right in there.

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“This is about showing support for young kids, and the catastrophic consequences we face if we don’t. Like it or not but sport has power to change things in society. It’s been that way for a long time. Look at the black power stance at the Olympics. This has been going on for a long time.”

Critics of the Manly players have wanted to know exactly why they have taken their stance. Members of the group have told me they were certainly not doing it because they are homophobic, and Roberts wants to believe that.

“I would think they are probably unaware of the significance and the potential consequences of their actions,” he said.

“I really don’t believe they would be thinking like that or hiding behind their religion. They could not be ruthless. I don’t think the seven boys could possibly have been aware of everything and everyone they impact. That’s why I’d like to talk to them. To tell them about my experience and other people’s. It’s probably something they have not had to consider.”

Perrottet checked out when NRL checked in

The ARL Commission’s decision to spend $25 million on a hotel in Brisbane ended any chance it had of securing millions of dollars for suburban stadiums in Sydney.

I have been told the NSW government was already agonizing about whether it was politically viable to honor its promise to provide more NRL stadium funding, well before the issue blew up during the week. With the floods wiping out so many homes and businesses in and around Lismore in the Northern Rivers region, and other areas of the state, it was a difficult sell for Premier Dominic Perrottet.

The NRL says it is manipulative to use human tragedy to get out of a deal, and anyone in the NRL’s box at Origin III at Suncorp Stadium in July would have been aware of the handshake deal. Perrottet was reminded of his commitment to him in front of those present. The notion of hosting the grand finale in Brisbane was also raised.

The NRL concedes it has been outplayed, but the Lismore excuse is “dirty pool” in its view. However, it became impossible for the government to justify spending on stadiums after the NRL publicly celebrated purchasing the Gambaro Hotel close to Suncorp Stadium. Here was a private business demanding millions of dollars in taxpayers’ money, while saying it was in such a great financial shape it could afford a hotel.

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Television coverage featured players boasting about having their own hotel, complete with themed rooms to honor the biggest stars. What’s more, the ARLC relied on a handshake deal to upgrade the stadiums rather than getting it in writing, making it easy for the state government to back out. ARLC chairman Peter V’landys needs to realize not everyone operates with his honor from him.

The big problem for the ARLC is the NSW government is unlikely to revisit the stadiums proposal after this week’s public brawl. It’s a salient lesson for the ARLC and V’landys that you can’t cry poor and flaunt your wealth at the same time.

Madge moves on

It’s hard to see Michael Maguire and Tim Sheens ever sitting down for a pleasant conversation again.

Maguire, who was sacked by Wests Tigers in early June, is back in town after a European getaway, which included time in France and on a friend’s super yacht.

As relaxing as that sounds, it’s hard to forget the way he was sacked. The man who was brought in to help him, Sheens, has replaced him. It’s an awful look for the Tigers, and one that doesn’t sit comfortably with Maguire, or the people who still think he can coach.

When Sheens came on board, Maguire accepted it in the hope that he was there to make his life better. For Sheens to replace him is very hard to accept for even the most passionate of Maguire haters.

However, you won’t read this kind of criticism in the News Corp press as they are claiming the Sheens elevation to head coach as their doing. So he is getting a free ride, unlike Maguire, who lived on the edge as a wave of attacks were launched. Maguire is preparing for the World Cup with New Zealand (who are ranked No.1), doing some work on himself and keeping an eye on the coaching developments at various clubs.

Bulldogs players push an ambulance out of the mud on a golf course.

Bulldogs players push an ambulance out of the mud on a golf course.

Rescue Dogs

The Bulldogs have shown some good signs on the field, and they’ve been putting in off the field, too.

Canterbury players jumped to the aid of an ambulance crew that was bogged on a golf course during the week. Matt Burton, Ryan Gray, Braidon Burns and Kurtis Morrin were playing at Beverley Park Golf Club and hurried across three fairways to help out. A golfer suffered an elbow dislocation after a fall. The help was greatly appreciated.

Brotherly glove

Matt Lodge has been trying to repair his reputation for years. Now his sister Kaitlyn is trying to make a mark in sport as a boxer. After seven amateur fights, she is turning pro and chasing a world title.

“I started at the gym maybe two-and-a-half years ago just to lose weight and my coach said how about we try having an amateur fight,” she said. “Now my pro debut is the 10th of September on the Gairy St Clair Superhero Pro Fight Night at Rooty Hill, and it’s for a world title in the World Boxing League.

Kaitlyn Lodge, the sister of Matt Lodge.

Kaitlyn Lodge, the sister of Matt Lodge.

“I’m a super-welterweight and I feel like I’m on a great path. I wasn’t really into sport until this, but I think I like the challenge. It’s very structured and disciplined. That’s what I like. Growing up I’ve always been a bit of a hothead, but this has actually calmed me down a lot. Now it’s just in the ring. You get all that out.”

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Kaitlyn says she has drawn inspiration from her brother’s on-field exploits.

“You watch what he does and it’s impressive, and then you see him prepare,” she said. “Growing up he was, ‘I’m going to training, I’m going to training’.

“I never understood about that and now it’s like I understand why he does it. So he’s been pretty inspiring. He’s helped me out a lot. He’s very supportive.”

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Premier League 2022-23 preview No 19: West Ham | Soccer

Guardian writers’ predicted position 8th (NB: this is not necessarily Jacob Steinberg’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position 7th

Odds to win the league (via Oddschecker) 150-1

prospects

The aim is to challenge for a place in the top four again. The question is whether West Ham have grown stale. They captured the imagination with their run to the Europa League semi-finals last season, but a small squad struggled to cope with the additional workload and David Moyes has spent the summer trying to add more quality in several positions.

The positive is that West Ham have lessened their dependence on Michail Antonio, who looked weary during the second half of last season. The striker has had no competition for his place during the last 18 months, but the arrival of Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo gives Moyes’s attack a fresh look. A tall and powerful forward, Scamacca scored 16 goals in Serie A last season and has broken into the Italy squad. The 23-year-old has all the makings of a fan favourite, though the recent history of attacking players moving to the Premier League from Serie A is not hugely encouraging.

Ready for the Premier League 2022-2023: West Ham – video

However, the striking situation is not the only issue. Moyes needs more from Saïd Benrahma and Nikola Vlasic in attacking midfield. He will hope that Flynn Downes is capable of helping the overworked Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice in central midfield. As for the defence, all is not well. Nayef Aguerd, a Moroccan centre-back who has signed for £30m from Rennes, could be out for three months after undergoing ankle surgery. Angelo Ogbonna is just back from a long-term knee injury. Issa Diop wants to leave and Kurt Zouma picked up injuries last season. Another huge season for Craig “Ballon” Dawson, then?

Of course, there is no need to panic yet. West Ham have made rapid progress in the last two years. But have opponents started to work them out? Moyes, who tore into his players after defeat to Brighton on the final day forced West Ham to settle for a place in the Europa Conference League, has sounded a little impatient recently. It could be a testing campaign.