Foster not getting the respect he 'deserves'

NEWS: Steve Hansen has urged fans to get behind new All Blacks coach Ian Foster.

New Zealand Rugby named Ian Foster as the new All Blacks head coach this, promoting the 54-year-old to the role after eight years as an assistant under illustrious predecessor Steve Hansen.

Foster, Hansen’s preferred candidate, was the favourite to take over and rebuild the All Blacks after a disappointing World Cup semifinal exit this year.

He beat main rival and fan favourite Scott Robertson to the job, despite the Crusaders mentor winning three straight Super Rugby titles.

There is been a lot of criticism over NZ Rugby's choice, but former coach Hansen said Foster needs to be given a chance.

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"It's time to sit back and let him [Foster] take over and enjoy watching without all the pressure that comes with being the coach," Hansen told Newstalk ZB.

"We had two outstanding candidates. Scott Robertson is a very, very good coach in his own right and could well have done a very good too.

"Fossie is also a very good coach in his own right, and probably a coach at the moment who a lot of people aren't giving the respect he probably deserves, because he is a very good coach.

"He's not the coach a lot of people thought he was 10 years ago. None of us are.

"The important thing I think now is everybody who supports the All Blacks gets in behind him."

Source: Newstalk ZB & Stuff