While acknowledging New Zealand’s struggles in 2022, Dan Carter believes All Blacks coach Ian Foster hasn’t lost the dressing room. DYLAN JACK reports.

Carter was speaking at the College of Cape Town as part of his tour of South Africa where the All Blacks legend will be conducting coaching clinics between 9 and 13 September.

During his motivational talk, Carter was asked about the current struggling All Blacks team who have suffered historic losses to Ireland and Argentina recently.

“We haven’t had the most successful year. Everyone knows that,” said Carter. “But we are still sitting at the top of the Rugby Championship, which goes to show the level of competition in the tournament this year.

“Consistency is just really lacking for all the teams at the moment, each team is winning one week and losing the next. We’ve seen that with the games between the Springboks and All Blacks and Springboks and Australia.

“There have been a few changes in the All Blacks coaching staff recently. It hard to comment on that from outside the environment. To see the way the players have united and are sticking up for the coaches goes to show that there’s some real heart and character within that group.”

The All Blacks’ poor form over the past year has seen head coach Ian Foster come under pressure, with Scott Robertson the favourite to replace him if he was sacked.

“Razor has been a hugely successful coach for the Crusaders. Ian Foster is also a fantastic coach. It’s really hard for me to comment, not being in that environment,” Carter said.

“The players have really stood up for Fozzie. They had a fantastic performance against Argentina. They just need to get that consistency. They have the talent, they have the players, but they just need to keep working hard for that consistency.”

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