New Zealand head coach Ian Foster concedes that his future remains uncertain, despite their momentous victory over South Africa on Saturday.
Following a dreadful run of five defeats in six, including a 26-10 reversal at the hands of the Springboks last weekend, Foster has been a man under significant pressure.
There were reports that another loss to the Boks would pretty much guarantee his departure, but he has perhaps kept himself in the role until the end of the competition following Saturday’s success.
That is not guaranteed, however, with suggestions before the game that even a victory at Ellis Park might not save the beleaguered head coach.
enjoying the win
And asked by Sky Sports if he would still be in charge for the Argentina games, Foster responded: “I have no idea, I am just going to enjoy tonight.
“It’s never easy when you are coming off a couple of losses, but so proud. Just so proud of the effort. It’s swings and roundabouts… they hung in and finished strong.”
Foster also felt a certain amount of vindication after saying their performance last week was the ‘best of the year’ as they built on aspects of that display to emerge triumphant in Johannesburg.
“I know I got a little bit mocked for saying that last week, after the loss, but we made a big shift last week through our forward pack,” he added.
“The work (forwards coach) Jason Ryan has done out there was strong, and I really felt we were creating a few opportunities. We wanted it so much we were rushing things. Whereas today, we were just more patient.”
‘Pride’ was the watchword for the All Blacks, who overcame a series of poor results and the stinging criticism that has come with it to defeat their great rivals at the hostile Ellis Park.
“Proud is an understatement, mate,” captain Sam Cane told SuperSport.
“Through adversity, it really challenges your character and this group has got plenty of character. It’s never been a question of how much we care or how much we want it.
“We just needed to get a few parts of our game right and yeah, a massive challenge coming here, one of the toughest places in the world to play and the group stepped up massively.
Hugely proud. I’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been supporting us, particularly the last month which has been pretty challenging. We feel all that support and jeez, it means a lot.”
Key facets in the victory
Cane also identified several areas which were key to their huge triumph over the Springboks, which put them in Rugby Championship contention.
“Look, we were a lot better at the breakdown tonight and we dealt with the box kicks, the contestables, a lot better,” he added.
“Set-piece was good, we defended the maul really well so lots of little parts of our game which is what Test footy is about, getting little parts of your game right time and time angina so you can build some pressure. Massively stoked.”
READMORE: Rugby Championship: Five takeaways from South Africa v New Zealand as All Blacks show vast improvement
The Wallabies conceded seven tries and four of them came from kicks.
If you’re looking for a reason why the Wallabies lost, that paints a pretty clear picture.
The Wallabies’ raw fullback Tom Wright was exposed. The Brumbies back has been excellent in his previous three Tests of the year, but his lack of time spent in the role was brutally exposed by Argentina, who tested his positional understanding and his aerial skills too.
He wasn’t the only one either. Marika Koroibete was found out in the air, while Reece Hodge was penalized after he made contact in the air after not being in a realistic position to compete for the ball.
The Wallabies’ scrum was edged, too, with the Argentine pack up for the challenge following their heavy defeat a week earlier.
As for James O’Connor, the recalled playmaker faces a fight to keep his place after a frustrating performance.
READ MORE
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Wallabies try BRUTALLY disallowed! | 01:22
Had his try midway through the first half not been disallowed it likely would have been a different story for the 32-year-old. It didn’t, and anyone wearing the No.10 jersey generally shoulders the blame regardless of whether they deserve it.
Here are our player ratings from the record loss to Argentina.
Tom Wright- 3.5
Given the fullback’s struggles under the high ball, Dave Rennie will likely recall Andrew Kellaway should the Rebels back be fit to take on the Springboks later this month.
Wright doesn’t deserve to be dropped. One poor game doesn’t define a player, but the Brumby is a developing 15 and could benefit from more time on the wing. He’ll be a strong contender for the No.23 jersey should Kellaway be fit.
The tough day started in the very first minute, as he fumbled a tough ball from Jordan Petaia and Argentina scored.
Moments later and Argentina won a 50-22 as the home side exposed Wright’s positional understanding.
“Pretty inexcusable from the Wallabies from set phase not to be able to defend a 50-22 in that situation,” former All Blacks playmaker Andrew Mehrtens said for Stan.
On three occasions Wright lost possession in the air. He was out leapt in the eighth minute by Emiliano Boffelli.
He didn’t get a hand on a kick in the 27th minute. He was also beaten in the air again in the 36th minute but fortunately was saved by some Marika Koroibete brilliance in defense as he forced Boffelli to spill the ball over the tryline.
Later, in the 52nd minute, Wright chose to run the ball but should have played the percentages as he was tackled and gave away a penalty for not releasing.
Tom Wright had a difficult match at fullback against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Jordan Petaia – 6
It was a case of being so close yet so far for Petaia.
Petaia sent O’Connor in to score but the try was denied for an illegal cleanout from James Slipper.
Later he lost the ball over the tryline as the ball was ripped away.
But there was also one of those passes into touch in the 51st minute, while he also intercepted a pass in the 56th minute before quickly throwing one of his own as he sought to keep the ball in the field of play.
More promisingly Petaia got his hands on the ball. Yet the fact Australia has not put an attacking kick in for Petaia tells you a lot about the Wallabies’ attack in recent weeks.
Len Ikitau – 7.5
One of the Wallabies’ best. Ikitau scored a try, made a massive linebreak and was strong on either side of the ball.
His linebreak in the 29th minute should have led to some points. Instead, it led to a penalty to the Pumas one phase later as Nic White was pinged for a side entry at the ruck.
The Wallabies were smashed by Argentina at San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium on August 13, 2022 in San Juan. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Lalakai Foketi – 6
A couple of good touches, including in the 10th minute to slip a great ball to Ikitau.
Foketi did, however, overtrack in defense along with James O’Connor and Lachie Lonergan ahead of the Pumas’ third try.
Marika Koroibete – 6
Defensively Koroibete was excellent.
He had a fantastic trysaver on Boffelli and laid on some big shots, including one ahead of Fraser McReight’s turnover in the 10th minute.
His clearing kick beyond halfway in the 19th minute was a cracker, too.
Unfortunately Koroibete too was beaten in the air and the uncertainty in the air meant Argentina continued to pepper the Wallabies’ back three.
The little knock-on in the 41st minute at the base of the ruck straight after half-time summed up the Wallabies’ frustrating performance.
James O’Connor – 5
The Wallabies playmaker will likely shoulder some of the blame for the defeat, but that would be an unfair marker.
Had O’Connor’s try stood the Wallabies would have been in front and he would have had a great highlights moment. It didn’t and the Wallabies conceded two quick tries.
Defensively O’Connor had a couple of moments that won’t reflect well.
He was run over the top by Tomas Gallo in the sixth minute as Taniela Tupou fell off a tackle, he overtracked ahead of the Pumas’ third try and he spilled a ball in contact for the Pumas’ try after the Wallabies’ back three didn’ Don’t get hands on another kick.
There was however some nice manipulation of the defense in the 72nd minute as she ran to the line and put Ikitau through a little hole. But, as Rennie later lamented, the Wallabies pushed the pass and found the touchline.
James O’Connor (L) had a frustrating return at fly-half. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Nick White – 5
The Wallabies’ struggles to hold onto the ball meant White had a frustrating Test.
The experienced halfback had little space to test out the Argentine defence.
Frustratingly, too, when the Wallabies had the ball in the opposition half they looked dangerous. They just didn’t keep the ball long enough to mount any real pressure.
He appeared lost with what to do in the 30th minute and had his pass intercepted.
Rob Valetini – 9
The Wallabies’ best player on the field.
Valetini’s ball carrying was a real feature.
I have powered over the gain line ahead of Slipper’s try for the Wallabies.
He was strong in defense too, producing a great counter-ruck in the 18th minute to allow McReight to get on the ball to win a penalty.
Lachie Lonergan’s nice ball sent Valetini through a huge hole in the 45th minute. It should have ended in a try as he unleashed Petaia, who was stripped over the line.
Valetini’s one blemish came in the 61st minute, as he slightly changed his direction after a chip and chase and was penalized.
Rob Valetini was the Wallabies’ best against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Fraser McReight – 5.5
Good pressure on the ball, including a great breakdown win in the 10th minute.
Unfortunately for McReight he was sent to the sin bin midway through the second half despite referee Karl Dickson playing advantages ahead of their fifth try.
Jed Holloway – 6
Holloway was effective in the lineout and had a steal, too. He had some good runs to the line as well. But he needs to demand more of the ball.
The Waratahs forward looks set for a long stint in the side and his physical prowess will help with the pack.
Darcy Swain – 5.5
After last weekend’s outstanding Test, Swain wasn’t nearly as effective. why? Quite simply the Wallabies had little set piece ball.
Swain was penalized in the 28th minute after playing on despite a ruck being formed.
Rory Arnold – 6.5
A respectable return for the Japanese-bound lock.
Arnold carried well and even took an intercept in the 29th minute.
But his real strength around the maul wasn’t able to be used because of the Wallabies’ struggles under the high ball.
Taniela Tupou struggled for the Wallabies in his return to the starting side. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Taniela Tupou – 5
Punished at the scrum, the Wallabies struggled at the set-piece. They were penalized there on a number of occasions, with Tupou pinged for not driving straight.
Tupou was also penalized for collapsing a maul in the 24th minute.
It wasn’t until the 46th minute that Tupou managed to get well over the gain line.
The massive Wallabies tight-head prop has yet to master a Test that he has started.
Lachlan Lonergan – 6
A reasonable effort, having been asked to start against the Pumas.
The young Brumby’s lineout was largely effective.
But the Wallabies’ scrum was beaten, he over tracked ahead of the Pumas’ second try and missed a tackle from the kick restart in the 55th minute.
James Slipper (c) – 6.5
One of the Wallabies’ better forwards.
Slipper’s opening 20 minutes was outstanding. Unfortunately he was penalized for an illegal cleanout, which was questionable at best.
Slipper carried strongly and showed some good hands, too. He also scored the Wallabies’ first try.
The Wallabies suffered their greatest defeat to Argentina. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
BOOK
Billy Pollard – 5.5
Came on midway through the second half and hit the mark with his throws on debut. tick.
Matt Gibbon – N/A
Came on late for Slipper, but helped the Wallabies win a penalty when he went through the middle of a maul in the 71st minute.
Puts Fa’amausili – 6
Some great shots and strong carries after coming on midway through the second half. A promising debut off the bench.
Nick Frost – 5
Wasn’t able to impose himself like he did a week ago.
Pete Samu – 6
Effective on both sides of the ball after replacing Holloway in the second half.
Tate McDermott – 6
McDermott’s 50/22 in the 69th minute was a cracker. Unfortunately Valetini got clipped first phase from the attacking lineout and was brought down before Irae Simone was pinged for side entry at the ruck.
Irae Simone – N/A
Came on late but gave away a penalty for side entry at the ruck.
Reece Hodge – N/A
Another who came on late, Hodge was penalized for making contact in the air after not being in a realistic position to catch a ball at fullback.
The Wallabies will return home with their tails between their legs after letting slip a golden opportunity in Argentina.
Dave Rennie’s men were left frustrated by an overturned try midway through the opening half, but they didn’t lose 48-17 in San Juan because of the moment.
Instead, not for the first time the Wallabies were slow out of the blocks and fell behind 14-0 after six minutes.
Argentina’s Los Pumas wing Emiliano Boffelli (L) reacts after scoring a try at Bicentenario stadium in San Juan on August 13, 2022. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
The Wallabies felt like they should have taken the lead midway through the first half when James O’Connor touched down, but referee Karl Dickson instead sought the assistance of his TMO and it was deemed James Slipper had illegally cleaned his opponent out.
Former All Blacks star Andrew Mehrtens deemed the decision “ridiculous.”
Jordan Petaia got away a ball to James O’Connor to score. But the try was overturned. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Michael Cheika’s men rubbed salt into the wound by scoring two quick tries to open up a 26-10 lead at the break.
A penalty to Emiliano Boffelli and prop Thomas Gallo’s second try saw Los Pumas pull ahead.
While Len Ikitau hit back after 66 minutes, but two late tries saw the home side pull away and punish the Wallabies for their mistakes to grab a bonus point.
The Wallabies were tactically outplayed, with their back three exposed by Argentina’s shrewd kicking game where they put boot to ball on 28 occasions.
Taniela Tupou had a mixed day at the office for the Wallabies in San Juan. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
In particular Tom Wright, playing his second Test at fullback, was exposed in the air and with his decision making.
The Wallabies were beaten at the set-piece too, with their scrum struggling at times and although their attack looked good at times their lack of discipline also hurt while their defense was poor.
Rob Valetini was one of the Wallabies’ best, with the back-rower continually getting over the gain line.
O’Connor, meanwhile, had a frustrating return after he was denied a try.
The playmaker didn’t get nearly as much ball in his hands as he would have liked and Rennie has a decision to make regarding his playmakers, but it appears he has muddied the waters by turning away from youngster Noah Lolesio.
Dave Rennie’s side struggled from start to finish against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The loss heaps more pressure on Rennie, with the Wallabies coach losing men on and off the field and struggling to oversee victories.
Slipper described the loss as “disappointing” and a step backwards after a “difficult” tour where they lost their captain Michael Hooper (personal health) and Quade Cooper (ACL).
Nor are they likely to have Hooper back when they take on the Springboks in a fortnight at Adelaide Oval.
Rennie’s side conceded a try after just 60 seconds as Jordan Petaia passed a ball too hot to handle for his back three teammate Wright and the home side ran away to score.
Argentina had a second after just six minutes to leave the Wallabies shell-shocked. But the stunned Wallabies rallied, finally getting their hands on the ball after some Fraser McReight brilliance at the breakdown won the visitors some ball.
From a lineout soon after Valetini charged over the gain line and captain Slipper hit back to score.
Three points from the kicking tee saw the Wallabies close to within four points.
Rob Valetini (C) put the motions in track for the Wallabies’ opening try. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
The Wallabies looked like they would go ahead, but O’Connor’s try midway through the second half was overturned after Slipper was pinged for an illegal cleanout.
Former All Blacks star Andrew Mehrtens slammed the call by referee Kael Dickson to reverse the decision, describing it as “ridiculous”.
The decision proved to be a 14-point swing soon after as Jeronimo de la Fuente scored in the 24th minute.
Seven minutes later Juan Martin Gonzalez scored to extend their lead out to 26-10.
The Wallabies had some luck of their own when Emiliano Boffelli was denied a try after the TMO Marius van der Westhuizen found no reason to overturn the initial no try ruling by Dickson. Boffelli’s lost ball came after some brilliance from Marika Koroibete in defence.
Mehrtens, however, disagreed, saying “I’m struggling to understand how the ball touching the ground is not compelling evidence”.
After a quieter start to the second half, at least from a points perspective, Wright’s inexperience at fullback was exposed again in the 52nd minute as the Brumbies back opted to run the ball back from rather than kick. It left him isolated as the Pumas got on the ball to win a penalty, which allowed Boffelli to add another three points from the kicking tee to see the home take a 29-10 advantage.
Ikitau hit back for the visitors, but two tries in the final five minutes of the Test saw the home side seal a convincing victory.
Richie Mo’unga will start at fly-half for the All Blacks as they face South Africa in the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday.
He replaces Barrett in the primary playmaking position in one of four changes for New Zealand as they attempt to gain revenge for their 26-10 defeat last weekend.
The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year took a nasty-looking knock in the opening encounter of the tournament when he landed awkwardly following a poor aerial challenge by Kurt-Lee Arendse, but he is fit enough to take his place on the bench .
Boost in the backline
Elsewhere along the backline, both Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan have recovered from their minor ailments to be named in the XV.
Up front, there are three alterations with Tyrel Lomax, Shannon Frizell and Ethan de Groot replacing Angus Ta’avao, Akira Ioane and George Bower respectively – the latter two dropping to the bench.
Among the replacements, Codie Taylor comes in for Dane Coles and Fletcher Newell takes the place of Ta’avao in the 23, but that is the only other alteration to the squad, with Tupou Vaa’i, Finlay Christie and Quinn Tupaea all remaining.
It is a huge game for the All Blacks with another defeat almost certainly signaling the end of Ian Foster’s tenure as head coach.
“Belief and confidence remain high in our group, which is working incredibly hard this week,” Foster said ahead of their Rugby Championship encounter against South Africa.
“Playing at Ellis Park is always a special occasion for any All Black team, and this weekend will be no different.
“Adding to that, the Freedom Cup is on the line which makes this a challenge that everyone is looking forward to.”
The team
New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Quinn Tupaea
Date: Saturday, August 13 Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg Kick-off: 17:05 local (16:05 BST, 15:05 GMT) Referee: Luke Pearce (England) Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Christophe Ridley (England) OMT: Brett Cronan (Australia)
READMORE: All Blacks ‘won’t disappoint’ in Johannesburg says Springbok center Damian de Allende
The Wallabies will be forced to go to the well again, with Hunter Paisami expected to be ruled out of their second Rugby Championship Test against Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas in San Juan.
It’s understood the center, who laid on the Wallabies’ bonus point win with a sublime run and offload in the final play of the game, has suffered a head knock.
His injury will see yet another backline reshuffle, with Lalakai Foketi expected to be named in the No.12 jersey. Irae Simone, who was a late call-up to the squad and will head to Clermont following the two-Test tour of Argentina, is firming for a remarkable return via the bench.
Foketi won’t be the only change either.
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The change at inside center could see the Wallabies opt for the experienced head of James O’Connor to fill the No.10 jersey following Quade Cooper’s devastating season ending injury.
Should Dave Rennie indeed turn to O’Connor, the Test shapes as a crunch one for the 32-year-old, who lost some backers following his poor second half against England in Brisbane last month. Never mind that he was under done and playing away from his preferred position and the lack of time in the saddle showed.
Part of the thinking could be that in Bledisloe III, 2020, Rennie was forced to select the uncapped duo of Noah Lolesio and Simone at 10 and 12 and their inexperience showed as the All Blacks smashed the Wallabies at the Olympic Stadium. Rolling out Lolesio, who is still growing as a player at 22, and Foketi, who will play his second Test, could leave them short of experience and leadership in the backline.
Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43
Utility Reece Hodge, who stepped into the hot seat at No.10 early in the second half and was assured and kicked his goals, all but confirmed he wouldn’t start when he indicated on Wednesday that either O’Connor or Lolesio would start in the role.
“Rabs (O’Connor) has got his body in really good shape and he’s been training well the last month and really pushing for selection,” Hodge said.
“Whether it’s him or Noah who get the nod heading into this weekend, we’re confident that both of them are in great physical shape and both training really well, so whoever steers us around will have the full confidence of the squad.”
Meanwhile, Allan Alaalatoa’s (personal reasons) return to Australia has opened the door for Pone Fa’amausili to make his debut off the bench.
The Rebels tight-head prop has long been knocking on the door and been a part of the Wallabies’ squad since 2020.
But stuck behind Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou, who will start against Los Pumas, and plagued by injuries, the giant wrecking-ball, who was compared to the ‘Tongan Thor’ before the series by Rennie, he has been forced to bide his time and get himself into physical shape.
The potential of Fa’amausili is immense, but the weekend’s Test will be his moment of truth.
Elsewhere, Rennie could yet be swayed to return to Rory Arnold – one of Rennie’s international picks – and having been eased back into the squad following a minor injury, he could yet start.
The Test shapes as a significant one for the Wallabies.
Hunter Paisami is expected to be ruled out of their second Rugby Championship Test.Source: Getty Images
If they pull off back to back wins it will leave them in great shape to give The Rugby Championship a real shake.
The rejigged format of the competition, which includes tours for the first time, will see the Wallabies have the luxury of playing three of the next four Tests on home soil, including consecutive matches against the world champion Springboks.
For the first time in years too, the All Blacks are vulnerable and down on confidence having lost three straight Tests. A fourth consecutive loss to the Springboks could force a coaching change, with Ian Foster on the chopping block.
Cheika’s Pumas will be out for revenge, however, noting their second half disaster, where they were penalized out of the game and smashed at the rolling maul, killed them.
With an inexperienced, lighter front-row to come off the bench for the Wallabies though, the Pumas have the chance to go after their opposition.
One of New Zealand’s most respected scribes has called for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster as tensions reach breaking point across the Tasman following the All Blacks’ 26-10 defeat to the Springboks over the weekend.
“It’s time to ring Scott Robertson, tell him to be waiting with his hand-picked assistants and for him and Jason Ryan to get on with rebuilding a legacy that is in danger of being horribly tainted if there is no definitive action taken,” wrote Gregor Paul in the New Zealand Herald.
“There is nothing now that can happen to convince anyone in New Zealand – anyone who knows the game – that the All Blacks are going to miraculously improve without a total and brutal cleanout and reset.
“Confidence has been shattered, all hope lost and it would be madness for New Zealand Rugby to do anything other than get out the check book, pay off the termination fees and usher in a new era.”
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Calls for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster are becoming deafening after the All Blacks slumped to their third straight defeat. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The strong column comes after the All Blacks slumped to a 24-year first, as the nation slumped to its third straight defeat after previously losing their first home series in 28 years.
The 16-point loss, which was also their fifth defeat from six Tests, will see New Zealand drop to a historic low of fifth when World Rugby updates their rankings.
But, as was pointed out, it was not just the scoreboard that revealed the grim picture, it was the nature of the All Blacks’ defeat.
Foster’s side barely fired a shot.
It took until midway through the second half to get inside the Springboks’ 22 meter line and, for much of the game, they were suffocated by a rush defense that forced errors from the usually highly skilled New Zealand backs.
Malcolm Marx was the chief disrupter for the All Blacks, as the Springboks hooker, playing his 50th Test, regularly got on the ball and turned it over.
Malcolm Marx was awarded player of the match for his stunning breakdown work against the All Blacks. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The All Blacks only made two real chances.
The first they bombed after some Beauden Barrett brilliance from his own goal-line ended in a terrible forward pass from flanker Akira Ioane near halfway.
The second chance saw Shannon Frizell slam the ball down out wide after Caleb Clarke crashed the Springbok defence, before brilliantly being tackled from behind by a diving Damian Willemse.
“In their defining hour, their day of reckoning, the All Blacks barely fired a shot,” wrote Liam Napier for the New Zealand Herald.
“Mbombela Stadium exploded at the seams with 45,000 screaming South Africans forming a sea of green; a piercing atmosphere. The locals sure had plenty to shout about, too.
“In that white hot cauldron, among the swarming Springboks, on their first venture to South Africa in four years, the All Blacks failed to cope with the relentless aerial and physical assault on their senses.
“It wasn’t the All Blacks were intimidated. It wasn’t they were caught off guard, either. The Boks stuck to their unimaginative kick-heavy, forward-dominated blueprint and executed it to perfection. The All Blacks knew it was coming – and still had few answers.”
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The All Blacks barely fired a shot against the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Some of the more colorful writing came from Jamie Wall.
“Here we go again. Another All Black loss in 2022, the third in four tests, another week of mounting pressure on the coaching staff and the people that put them there. The loss was another extension of the gaping wound that is the national side, now festering with pus and infection, stinking to high heaven of defeat and desperation,” Wall wrote for Radio New Zealand.
In his post-match interview, Foster described the defeat as “probably our best performance of the year”.
“We’re bitterly disappointed but I felt it was our most improved performance this year,” Foster said.
“Some of the areas we really shifted our game forward. In a game dominated by defense we defended well but our timing was out a little bit in terms of the attack so we’re going to have to go and have a look at that. There’s a few players over here for the first time feeling the pressure that comes from this type of team.
“We’re pretty excited about the next challenge of playing at Ellis Park for a trophy.”
Wall said that “seems somewhat laughable considering it was the heaviest defeat to the Springboks since 1928.
“But really, the sad truth is that he might be right.
“However, if that’s all there is to brag about, then the labeling of this test shows just how delusional this side is about the way they are playing. As if it wasn’t already, this is a serious crisis that is only going to get worse before it gets better.”
New Zealand’s coach Ian Foster looks ahead of the Rugby Championship international rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Mbombela Stadium. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Long-time rugby writer Marc Hinton quite rightly pointed out that there was nothing shocking about losing to the Springboks, but he added the heavily one-sided nature to the defeat was concerning. After all, the All Blacks did beat the Springboks 57-0 in 2017 — a match which included eight players in the 23 from the weekend’s 26-10 loss.
“This was a limited, painful and at times gormless performance from an All Blacks side that has completely lost its mojo, its confidence, its rhythm and, to be frank, its wherewithal,” wrote Hinton for stuff.
“Ian Foster’s coaching tenure now hangs by a slender thread after his All Blacks proved patently ill-equipped to handle a superb display of high-intensity rugby from the world champion Springboks.
“The South Africans started and all-but finished this Rugby Championship opener, in front of a passionate, seeing crowd of over 43,000 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, with players being driven off the field in medi-carts, but in between they applied a massive knockout blow to these reeling All Blacks with a 26-10 victory that was every bit as one-sided as it sounds.
“It is no disgrace to lose to a side of the caliber of this South African outfit. Plenty have over the years, and plenty more will too in days to come. But to go down so decisively, and largely fail to apply anything resembling sustained pressure on their opponents for so much of this one-sided contest, well, it spoke to how far this All Blacks side has plunged.”
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NZRU CEO Mark Robinson (L) has come under fire for overseeing the All Blacks’ struggles on and off the field. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the South African media basked in their team’s glory, but highlighted that this was the most “convincing winning margin in the professional era” over the All Blacks.
.
“They may have failed to keep the All Blacks tryless in a Bok win for the first time since the Wellington success in 1998, but the 16-point buffer was by far their most convincing winning margin in the professional era,” wrote Khanyiso Tshwaku on news24.com
“It wasn’t pretty – seldom is the Bok way of rugby – and it is said that only a mother could love how they go about their business.
“However, they earned the love of not just the 42,387 who packed into the giraffe-propped nation, but the entire country. “It was aggressive. It was physical. It was faultless and flawless in every sense.”
Craig Ray, writing for DailyMaverick.co.zasaid the Boks were “dominant, emphatic, claustrophobic and clinical.
“The Springboks have seldom, if ever, dominated an All Black side so comprehensively. Despite a 26-10 final scoreline, the tourists were lucky it was not a lot worse.
“New Zealand hardly had any ball, they lost the aerial battle, they were destroyed on the ground and smothered when they did try to launch attacks.
“All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s time in charge is now surely measured in hours, not days.”
New Zealand’s fly-half Beauden Barrett (2nd R) attempts to get away from star center Lukhanyo Am (2nd L) at the Mbombela Stadium on August 6, 2022. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Brendon Nel, writing for SuperSportinstead focused attention on the marvelous Springboks.
“You could sense it walking into the stadium. The electricity in the air. The nerves, the tension. So many of us who have arrived at these games before – in places across the world – know there simply is no thing as a bad All Black team. They may be wounded, but they are dangerous. And before the naysayers take out another knife for the now-inevitable demise of Ian Foster’s coaching stint with the All Blacks, let’s say it fairly – This was a magical Springbok performance,” Nel wrote.
He continued: “This was a night that Nelspruit had been waiting for. There weren’t just one or two heroes, but an entire team.This was a night where the ghosts of the past were laid to rest, where the passion and pride in Springbok rugby showed that while there may be those who relish writing them off across the world, those who have turned Springbok-hating into a sport, nothing can stop the heart of a Springbok.”
Dave Rennie’s team is full of character. That much is certain.
The Wallabies have once again won a Test they had every right not to.
After losing their best back Samu Kerevi, they lost their consistent hooker Dave Porecki throughout the week and their talismanic captain Michael Hooper 24 hours out from kick off.
Then, compounding the issues, they lost their quarterback and most experienced back Quade Cooper, who was forced off and might not play for the Wallabies again. This was a devastating blow, and his loss from him could be felt hardest next year if, indeed, the extraordinary playmaker does not recover in time to play at his third World Cup.
Making their 41-26 come-from-behind victory all the more extraordinary was that they trailed 19-10 at half-time and 26-17 midway through the second half.
Yet on the back of a fabulous second half, where the Wallabies went back to basics and did a number of Argentina’s set-piece, particularly at the maul (well done Dan McKellar), but the Wallabies won and earned a bonus point with the last play of the game.
Players like Jed Holloway and Fraser McReight, who were quiet in the first-half and gave penalties away too, had second halves to remember as they played their role in doing it for ‘Hoops’.
Here are our player ratings from the 15-point win, which saw the Wallabies move to the top of The Rugby Championship standings.
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The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Tom Wright- 8
There’s something beautiful about watching Wright play in the outside backs. He’s such a gifted runner and playmaker that he looks like he could do something with every touch of the ball.
Importantly the mistakes have largely been cut out and the Brumbies back should be named in the No.15 jersey again after an excellent first start in the role.
Wright’s running play was again a feature and was first on display at the 24th minute.
Later, in the 43rd minute, he combined spectacularly with Cooper from a quick lineout, dummied, ran and sent Jordan Petaia away and got the ball back before slinging it back in the field where Holloway almost scored.
His clearing kick in the 55th minute, however, was something to learn from. Kicking has to be done with purpose and rather than see the man open and unmarked in the middle of the field, Wright under pressure smashed it down field and Argentina countered and scored. It was excellent running rugby, but Wright was gassed on the other side of the field as his efforts were in vain.
Regardless, this was a good first-up showing from the new fullback.
Jordan Petaia – 7
Did little wrong, but was a little quiet – in large part because of the new, clunky combinations at 9-10-12.
But Petaia scored after running a good line off Cooper.
His slips catch, break and kick to a barnstorming Nick Frost in the 84th minute also set-up the Wallabies’ bonus point fifth try.
Physically Petaia stood up to the test, too.
Len Ikitau – 6.5
Strong on either side of the ball, Ikitau showed up in lights when he scored.
But before then he had a couple of good runs, including a flick out the back door to the ever-impressive Rob Valetini, and defensively was strong.
Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43
Hunter Paisami – 7
In the absence of Kerevi, Paisami had a reasonable showing.
The chunkiness of the backline at times became from the new combinations, as well as the change from Cooper to Reece Hodge.
But Paisami regularly challenged the line, including his last second linebreak and pinpoint pass to Ikitau to score.
Earlier, in the sixth minute, he overtracked in defense when Pablo Matera scored but that was because his forwards had left a gaping hole around the ruck near their own goal line/A couple of good show and goes late in the second half.
Marika Koroibete – 6.5
Busy as always and showing a good awareness of the laws of the game (clear release and go), Koroibete hardly put a foot wrong against Argentina.
He did, however, get pinged for an extra roll in the 30th minute, but that was likely in an attempt to buy some more time for his teammates after Wright’s inside ball.
Quade Cooper suffered a devastating injury against Argentina in his comeback match. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Quad Cooper – 6.5
Forced off in the 48th minute due to a severe Achilles injury, Cooper’s season is over in the most devastating circumstances.
There was the good: his beautiful ball to Petaia to score, the linebreak through the middle and the twinkle feet.
There was the bad: the offload in contact in the opening minute after Nic White’s box kick was charged down.
But there was also voice, direction and purpose in what was his first game in months.
Cooper showed some physicality in defense too, while he was pinged at the breakdown once, but he was engaged and ever present.
Nick White – 6.5
Charged down in the opening minute, it looked like it could be a long day early for the Wallabies.
White’s kicking game was a feature and twice the halfback managed to get incredible angle from his clearing kicks past halfway.
Rob Valetini – 9
The engine behind the Wallabies’ win, Valetini was everywhere.
Valetini was strong carrying and regularly powered the Wallabies over the advantage line.
It started from the outset too, with storming runs in the eighth minute, which allowed Cooper to slot an early three points.
Some poor hands in the 25th minute hurt, but otherwise Valetini was the Wallabies’ best ball-runner.
Australia’s Rob Valetini (C) was one of the Wallabies’ best. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Fraser McReight – 7.5
Stepping in at the last moment for Hooper, McReight showed how capable he is in his first Test start.
After a frustrating first-half, which included not being passed the ball after Cooper’s linebreak and was pinged at the breakdown for side entry, McReight had a second half to remember.
He scored a try from a lineout move and regularly got his hands on the ball, too. Physicality McReight stood up.
From a balance perspective, McReight seemed to compliment Valetini and Jed Holloway very well.
Jed Holloway – 6
By his own admission, Holloway had an unfortunate first half but got better as the game went on.
He was pinged a couple of times for penalties – jumping across the lineout in the fifth minute, hick tackle in 36rd and landing on the lifter in the 40th – even though the latter was unfortunate and he won the ball.
But Holloway’s second half was excellent and included some incredible hands on the deck, dragging McReight over the try line and some physicality in defense too.
Matt Philip – 6.5
A strong lineout steal in the 31st minute, Philip’s lineout work was strong.
His missed tackle on Marcos Kremer in the 51st minute came back not to haunt him fortunately, as the Pumas No.10 dropped it cold with the line in sight.
Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight had days to remember at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Darcy Swain – 9.5
The Wallaby’s best game.
Swain was brilliant at the lineout, in the maul, in contact, and even allowed space to open up for Cooper to run into.
The returning lock even got on the ball in the 17th minute to win a breakdown penalty.
Allan Alaalatoa – 6
Penalized once again the scrum for walking the scrum around
Alaalatoa managed some grunt and put the foundations in place for Tupou to then explode into.
Folau Fainga’a enjoyed his best performance in the Wallabies jersey. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Folau Fainga’a – 9
The Force-bound hooker doesn’t always get a rap for his lineout work, but Fainga’a’s throw was excellent all day and his attention to detail was evident.
The Wallabies’ lineout was a weapon and Fainga’a was at the epicenter of it, scoring a try, contributing to a penalty try and another to McReight.
James Slipper – 7.5
The Wallabies captain didn’t necessarily take the game by storm, but he gets another point for his leadership and ability to keep the squad focused following Hooper’s late withdrawal.
The scrum largely operated well with him on, while defensively he was strong.
Slipper’s decision making on when to take the points and when to go to the lineout also paid off.
James Slipper receives The Puma Trophy after winning The Rugby Championship against the Argentina Pumas at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
BOOK
Lachlan Lonergan – N/A
Came on late in the 72nd minute, Lonergan was busy and did little wrong.
Matt Gibbon – N/A
On debut, Gibbon replaced Slipper at the death.
He was pinged for in the 75th minute at the scrum.
Taniela Tupou – 7.5
A couple of brilliant runs in defense and some great scrummaging, Tupou had a massive influence on the game after coming after 53 minutes.
Nick Frost – 6.5
A real player for the future What about the pace to reel in Petaia’s kick in the 85th minute?
Rob Leota – N/A
Another to come on late. Leota had a strong carry.
Pete Samu – 6
Played his part in the second half as the Wallabies made the most of their momentum.
Jake Gordon – N/A
Gordon came on in the final 10 minutes but got away with a flat ball to Paisami, who sent Ikitau in.
Reece Hodge – 7.5
Kicked his goals, was composed with and without the ball. Job done.
But did the forward pass to Koroibete in the 67th minute show his playmaker shortcomings? His body shape of him was interesting to observe.
Either way, Hodge once again showed how important he is to the Wallabies squad.
Welcome to live coverage of the Wallabies vs Argentina from Mendoza. Follow all the live action in our blog below!
The Michael Hooper-less Wallabies have it all to in the second half in Mendoza, with the visitors trailing Michael Cheika’s Argentina Pumas 19-10.
Without their captain, the Wallabies started slowly with their discipline, ball security and clearing kicks poor.
The Wallabies trailed 7-0 after a try to Pablo Matera, which came after Nic White and Quade Cooper failed to clear their own line from the opening kick.
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Three points to Cooper settled down proceedings, but Argentina managed to restore their converted try margin soon after.
Some Cooper magic sent Jordan Petaia over to score, before the Wallabies returned to their ill-discipline ways as Emiliano Boffelli added another two penalties to give the Pumas a 19-10 lead at half-time.
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Jordan Petaia scores a try against Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza, Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Fraser McReight is playing in the No.7 jersey following Hooper’s withdrawal on the eve of the Rugby Championship opener.
The Reds No.7 is one of eight changes to the starting side, which is missing hooker Dave Porecki and center Samu Kerevi.
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Jed Holloway, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper (c)
Reservations: Lachlan Lonergan, Matt Gibbon, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge
COUGARS (15-1): Juan Cruz Mallia, Santiago Cordero, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Carreras, Tomas Cubelli, Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya (c), Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Reservations: Agustin Creevy, Thomas Gallo, Joel Sclavi, Santiago Grondona, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Tomas Albornoz, Matias Moroni
Under-fire New Zealand rugby coach Ian Foster said he believed his All Blacks team took “a step up” despite losing 26-10 to South Africa in the Rugby Championship opener in Mbombela on Saturday.
Foster, under pressure after the All Blacks lost a home series against Ireland last month, said there had been encouraging aspects in the latest performance.
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The New Zealand team performs the Haka as South African players look on at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela on August 6, 2022. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
The loss to the Springboks was the fifth in six matches after three defeats by Ireland and another by France.
Foster has lost nine of 25 matches in charge of the three-time world champions while predecessor Steve Hansen suffered 10 defeats in 107 Tests.
An All Blacks assistant coach during the eight-year reign of Hansen, Foster was a controversial appointment ahead of Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
“It was a step up from our last series,” said Foster.
“The lineout worked well, our maul defense was good and our overall defense was pretty solid but the timing in terms of attack was a bit off.”
Kurt-Lee Arendse of South Africa scores against the All Blacks at Mbombela Stadium on August 06, 2022 in Nelspruit, South Africa. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
He said a string of penalties conceded by the All Blacks in the first 20 minutes had hurt his team.
“I felt we were not getting the rub of the green in the first 20 minutes, so that put us behind a little.”
He said the third quarter of the match, after the All Blacks were fortunate to trail only 10-3 at half-time, it was critical.
“We had to get back into the game but all the Springboks did carry hard and clean hard and earn a couple of penalties. Good on them, that is their game. It is a pressure game.” Foster acknowledged that the intensity of the match played in front of a passionate sell-out home crowd of 42,367 had affected some of the new players in the touring squad.
“Some of our guys who are here for the first time — that is what you have to go through and experience.”
Ian Foster (C) is under huge pressure after the All Blacks lost three straight matches. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Foster said that although there was not much time before a second-round match against the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg next Saturday, he was confident of an improved performance.
“As the game unfolded, a few opportunities opened up. There were some handling errors but we made a few good strides. But we have to provide it next week.”
SuperSport TV analyst and former Springbok captain and hooker John Smit said it had been a “commanding performance” by the home team.
“We won the kicking game and the error game. This is a Springbok team that knows what they do well and they stick to it.”
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has withdrawn from Sunday’s (AEST) Rugby Championship opener against Argentina and is heading home to Australia.
The 121-Test veteran pulled out of the Test after the team was announced on Friday morning, citing a “mindset” issue.
“While this decision did not come easily I know it is the right one for me and the team at this point in time,” Hooper said in a statement.
“My whole career I’ve looked to put the team first and I don’t feel I am able to fulfill my responsibilities at the moment in my current mindset.”
Hooper will be accompanied home by his NSW teammate Dave Porecki, who suffered a head knock earlier in the week.
Fraser McReight, who has long been viewed as Hooper’s heir apparent, has been called up from outside the matchday 23 and will wear the No.7 jersey against Michael Cheika’s coached Los Pumas. It will be his third Test but first start.
James Slipper, who captained the side in Hooper’s absence (injury) last November against Wales, will once again lead the Wallabies.
Michael Hooper has withdrawn from the Wallabies’ camp because of a “mindset” issue. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said “nothing that was evident” to the group that Hooper was struggling with any mental health concerns until the long-serving captain approached the team doctor Sharron Flahive on Thursday (local time).
“How I have trained and how I have contributed around, around the team, around leadership, was excellent,” Rennie said.
“But clearly he’s been struggling a bit and masking that pretty well.
“That came to a head last night and he was brave enough to call Sharron and have a chat with her, which then involved (manager) Chris Webb and myself to get an understanding of where he’s at.
“The concern is all around his wellbeing. It was an easy decision to let him go home, and he’ll get plenty of support around.”
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Dave Rennie has applauded Michael Hooper’s “courage” in looking after his mental health. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Rennie applauded Hooper for his “courage” in addressing the team on Friday (local time) and putting his wellbeing first.
“I think he’s felt he’s been able to suppress things over the past handful of weeks and so we certainly weren’t aware of anything,” Rennie said.
“He’s such a professional. He was able to get on and do his job from him, and he addressed the team today, which took an enormous amount of courage, to let them know that he’s not OK.
“He felt it was best for himself and for the team that he heads home.
“It’s not uncommon in life, is it? It’s a cross section of society and often men will say bugger all and suffer in silence. As I said before, it took a lot of courage for him to address the group so a huge amount of respect from everyone and a respect that we want to get him home and get as much support around him as we can.”
No timeframe will be put on the 30-year-old’s return.
Hooper isn’t the first professional athlete to take time away from their respective careers, with Lance Franklin missing the latter stages of the 2015 AFL season. Glenn Maxwell also spent two months away from cricket in 2019.
The Wallabies will face Michael Cheika’s Argentina on Sunday. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Hooper made his debut in 2012 and first captained the Wallabies in 2014, after Stephen Moore suffered a season-ending injury against France.
Three successive coaches have made Hooper captain, with Ewen McKenzie turning to the northern beaches flanker in 2014. Michael Cheika then entrusted Hooper with the captaincy as Stephen Moore came to the end of his career in 2017.
Rennie opted to keep Hooper as captain when he took over in 2020.
Hooper has since gone on to break George Gregan’s (59) record as the Wallabies’ most-capped captain, having led the side 68 times.
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Fraser McReight (C) will wear the No.7 jersey in the absence of Michael Hooper. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
His absence allows McReight a long-awaited opportunity in the No.7 jersey.
The Reds open side flanker has had to be patient behind Hooper. While he took no place during the 2-1 series loss to England, McReight was one of his side’s stronger performers during Australia A’s three unofficial Tests in the Pacific Nations Cup.
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