'I don't care': Eddie shares thoughts on All Blacks coaching debate
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones is not too concerned about who is going to be the next All Blacks coach.
The process for selecting Ian Foster’s successor has dominated headlines in New Zealand in recent weeks.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has emerged as a front-runner, while there is also speculation that Ian Foster could hold onto his job after the World Cup.
Jones praised both coaches, but he is not keeping tabs on what is going on at New Zealand Rugby in terms of that selection process.
“That’s that great North Island/South Island and you’ve got to keep that going. I reckon that’s a great debate,” Jones told the Newstalk ZB.
“Both of them are good coaches. Scott Robertson has been fantastic in Super Rugby, but as we all know, Super Rugby and Test rugby is different.
“Ian Foster has a fantastic record as the assistant coach of the All Blacks and he’s making that transition to head coach.
“I don’t care who is coaching. You might get Wayne Smith back, who knows.”
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#SPOTLIGHT: ‘It’s going to be a challenge for the guys who probably thought they were secured of a spot for the World Cup’ 👇#Australia #Wallabies #EddieJones #SuperRugbyPacific https://t.co/9BQ64wULyg
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Despite the All Blacks’ inconsistent performances in 2022, Jones believes the All Blacks have shown some growth under Foster. Jones even made reference to his form side’s draw with New Zealand at Twickenham in November.
“There are [weaknesses]. Any team has weaknesses. No team is unbeatable and that’s the great thing about our game,” Jones explained.
“I think what Fozzie did last year was outstanding, how he turned the team around.
“When they played us [England] at Twickenham, I thought their first 20 to 30 minutes was absolutely brilliant.
“It was that old-style counter-punching, score quickly, shift the ball quickly to the extremities of the field and then play from there, which they did through attacking kicks against us.
“I think the team developed nicely under Ian and I’m sure that with another Super Rugby season, another Rugby Championship under their belt, they’re going to be tough to beat.”
Source: Newstalk ZB
