New Zealand head coach Foster avoids questions over his future after Ireland series defeat

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster avoided questions over his future after the series defeat to Ireland, saying “I just want to talk about the test match.”

The Irish had previously not won in 13 away games against New Zealand, but a 23-12 triumph last weekend gave them the opportunity to make even more history.

And a magnificent Ireland performance in a 32-22 victory in the decider condemned the All Blacks to their first home series defeat in 27 years.

The result also meant that New Zealand lost two games on home soil for the first time since a pair of defeats to South Africa in 1998.

In the post-match press conference Foster was quizzed about his future, to which he replied: “I just want to talk about the test match.”

The 57-year-old was quick though to heap praise on Ireland, telling reporters: “New Zealanders have probably got to realise that this was a very good Irish team.

“Give them some credit. I think it would be disrespectful for us to not make that the number one item.

“They’ve come and achieved something pretty special here, and I think they deserve a bit of time in the sun for that.”

Foster was also puzzled at New Zealand’s lacklustre performance, with the 22-3 score they faced at half-time the largest 40-minute deficit in All Blacks history.

“For some reason we’re just not as calm,” Foster added.

“In the defence area we’re getting a bit fidgety, there’s a few holes.

“Ireland aren’t a team you can let get behind because that is when they play an up-tempo game.”