The head of New Zealand Rugby has conceded the All Blacks' performance against Ireland in its 2-1 series loss at home was "not acceptable".
Photo: AFP
The All Blacks were defeated 32-22 in Wellington last night, handing the series to the Irish after the loss in Dunedin last week.
A statement was released from New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson this afternoon, after the All Blacks abruptly cancelled a planned press conference for today.
In the statement, Robinson congratulated the Irish team for their "well-deserved win", but "clearly the performance across the series for the All Blacks was not acceptable as we know they have reflected".
"We all know there is a huge amount of work to do."
All Blacks coach Ian Foster refused to discuss his future with the All Blacks last night after the loss.
Foster, who was named head coach in 2019 and last year had his contract extended until the 2023 Rugby World Cup, is under increasing pressure after New Zealand recorded their first back-to-back home defeats in 24 years.
"I just want to talk about the test match," Foster said last night.
"New Zealanders have probably got to realise that this was a very good Irish team."
Robinson said today the focus for New Zealand rugby was to work with Foster and his team to "understand thoroughly in advance of the Rugby Championship what is needed to improve performance and where to from here".
"We will begin this work immediately."
Hugo Keenan of Ireland scores during the All Blacks vs. Ireland match in the third Steinlager series Test at Sky Stadium. Photo: Elias Rodriguez
Ireland: 'There's plenty more to play'
Meanwhile, Ireland captain Johnny Sexton called on his team mates to focus on achieving Six Nations success instead of dreaming of World Cup glory after clinching the historic series win, which is set to take Andy Farrell's team to the top of the world rankings.
The odds on the Irish winning the World Cup in France next year will have shortened after their series victory over the All Blacks but Sexton wants the focus to be trained on more immediate aims.
"We've got a full season to play," he said. "It shouldn't be, 'Beat New Zealand and then let's wait for the World Cup'.
"There's plenty more to play. There's big home games in November, there's a Six Nations to play where we still haven't achieved the things we want to achieve in that.
"We got a Triple Crown this year, but a championship or better would be something that we're aiming for, so there's no reason why we shouldn't be trying to progress and do that."
Ireland defeated England, Scotland, Wales and Italy in this year's Six Nations but finished behind France in the standings in a competition they have not won since 2018.
"It's very Irish to think we have to take it easy to the World Cup," he said.
"No, we've got to keep making the most of it, let's keep getting better. That has to be driven by me as captain and the rest of the leadership group.
"To turn up and show the right attitude in September when we're back playing for our provinces and just keep getting better. That's the key."
- RNZ / Reuters
