The Silver Fern

@nostrildamus The decline started with Foster’s appointment in 2019. We needed change after the 2019 semifinal as it was obvious from 2017-2019 that other teams had caught up. Keeping the status quo post-2019 was where this mess started. Foster’s losses made the public and media want change and pressure was building on NZR with each loss to do something. Robertson was the obvious and available choice due to his Super Rugby success. If Foster had a decent record, no one would be asking for Robertson. People have forgotten that under Foster we lost 6 out of 8 tests in 2021 and 2022, dropped to our lowest ranking (5th), lost a home series, 33% winning rate against top 5 teams, didn’t have a winning record against any of the top 5 teams. Foster’s incompetence created the rush to appoint Robertson. Robertson is not the saviour everyone thought he was. 2019 is where this mess started and it’s still continuing to this day. The Foster vs Robertson rivalry has been highly destructive to the All Blacks brand and legacy.

If Tangitau was fit he probably would be in the squad. He’s got x-factor with speed and a step. Only question is his ability under the high ball. Defensively he should be fine.

@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

Good to see Razor has no hard feelings about the Papali'i headbutt.

What happened between Dalton and Razor?