The All Blacks have copped a truck load of flak after a poor showing in the first Test of their end of year tour against Japan.
Ian Foster’s men beat Japan 38-31 in an unimpressive performance which has been widely criticised at home and has led to suggestions the three teams the All Blacks will play in the UK over the next three weeks will be relishing an opportunity.
Former Kiwi commentator Keith Quinn led the charge in criticism, labelling Sam Cane’s captaincy ‘average’ and said the team looked ‘lifeless’ against Japan.
SamCane’s captaincy was average; so the AllBlacks looked lifeless v Japan. The team needs a sharp/lively man in charge like DuPlessis Kirifi.(all arms,legs & ‘follow me!’) Otherwise minus Whitelock&Retallick the 2nd row will look skinny in UK.
— Keith Quinn (@KeithQuinn88) October 30, 2022
Well bloody played Japan. Outstanding. Embarrassing by the All Blacks. Nearly losing to Japan is another string to Fosters bow. God he’s a terrible coach. Fast forward to being KO’d in WC Qtrs next yr, so we can flush the toilet with this guy for good. #JAPvNZL
— Frank (@GregAFC) October 29, 2022
I don’t know where he got it, but Ian Foster has somehow managed to buy a Monopoly game filled with Get Out Of Jail Free cards.
— Bat, thigh, bat, stumps (@JamieBellNZ) October 29, 2022
Ian Foster proves for good that he deserves the All Black coaching job with a 7 point win over Japan.
In other news:
New Zealand scored a record 21 tries in a win against Japan in 1995.
All Blacks went on to win 145-17.— TheIncredibleHug (@Incrediblehug) October 29, 2022
Another comprehensive performance by Ian foster with truly deft selection and silky execution to confirm the mediocre standards he is instilling in the All Blacks. At least it’s keeping rugby fresh! #AllBlacks
— PromosDude (@PromosDude) October 29, 2022
Hot take: the Black Ferns are better at rugby than the All Blacks.
— DanaCatCat Wears A Mask 🇳🇿😸💀🌈 (@DAYtheELF) October 30, 2022
Jamie Joseph post-match:
“The key for us really is to go to England now and replicate that performance against a better side,” he told media after the test.
“Better side”. Ouch.@AllBlacks #NZLvJAP
— Martin Devlin (@martindevlinnz) October 29, 2022
The All Blacks meet Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, Scotland at Edinburgh on November 12 and England at Twickenham on November 19. Wales haven’t beaten New Zealand since 1953 and Scotland are yet to do so.
Those teams may have hope of making history, encouraged by the comments of Japan’s New Zealand-born former captain Michael Leitch who played in Saturday’s Test. Leitch sai d the All Blacks no long have a fear factor for most opponents.
additional reporting AAP
