Former All Blacks player Murray Mexted has taken a swipe at New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for their handling of Ian Foster, calling it 'naive' and highlighting the stark contrast with Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus. Mexted's criticism comes after reading Foster's book, Leading Under Pressure, which revealed the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding his departure from the All Blacks.
Mexted believes that NZR's decision to replace Foster with Scott Robertson before the 2023 Rugby World Cup was a significant mistake. He argues that this move showed a lack of support for Foster, who had led the team to the World Cup final. Mexted's frustration is evident when he says, 'I can't believe the naivety of the people who made that decision. It was just incredible that they thought they could name a new coach before the Rugby World Cup – that is just lunacy.'
The former player emphasizes the importance of keeping the team united and involved, a skill that Foster excelled at. Mexted contrasts this with the situation in South Africa, where Erasmus faced similar challenges but managed to gain the support of SA Rugby. Erasmus' ability to 'do whatever he wants' and achieve success is a stark contrast to Foster's treatment, according to Mexted.
Mexted's commentary highlights a deeper issue within rugby unions, suggesting that the support structures at the top of these organizations can significantly impact a coach's ability to succeed. He concludes by questioning the strategic clarity of NZR's decision-making process, leaving readers with a thought-provoking perspective on the power dynamics within rugby coaching.
