Foster literal genius after plotting greatest win in All Blacks history
In the grand theatre of rugby, where legends are born and history is written, there comes a moment that defines a coach’s career. For All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, that moment arrived in Lyon during the Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Uruguay. It was a match that would forever be etched in the annals of his coaching journey as the greatest victory he had ever orchestrated.
As the All Blacks took the field for the third consecutive match, putting up over 50 points against their opponents, Foster couldn’t help but wear a grin of satisfaction. The Kiwis were on fire, and their recent performances had elevated them to an unprecedented level of excellence. Damian McKenzie, starting at full-back for the first time since 2021, was the catalyst for this rugby symphony. He was at the heart of just about everything, pulling the strings like a master conductor.
The match began with a frenzied opening quarter, during which three tries in 16 minutes left the spectators in awe. Two tries for New Zealand and one for Uruguay were recorded, then promptly chalked off on review.
Foster couldn’t help but appreciate the theatre of it all, probably thinking to himself: “Who needs Broadway when you have the Rugby World Cup? We had three tries, a dramatic plot twist, and a nail-biting review – it was Shakespearean! Nothing like that boring **** Ireland and South Africa play!”
However, the tide began to turn when McKenzie, seemingly imbued with a touch of magic, skipped in off the back of a scrum on the five-meter line. New Zealand became an unstoppable force. Richie Mo’unga followed suit, capitalizing on another close-range scrum, and McKenzie himself lit up the packed stadium with a breathtaking one-handed pass to winger Will Jordan.
With scrum-half Cam Roigard securing the bonus point just before half-time, Foster watched his team with a sense of pride that bordered on paternal. “These lads are writing history,” he mused internally. “We’re not just winning, we’re creating art.”
Ian Foster saludó a los jugadores de Los Teros después del encuentro en Lyon. 👋
⭐ Mirá todo el Mundial de Rugby en @starplusla#RWCxESPNEnStarPlus pic.twitter.com/aMJ0Jr0AfU
— ScrumRugby (@ScrumESPN) October 5, 2023
The second half was a relentless onslaught. New Zealand, maintaining their pace despite a flurry of substitutions, ran in a further seven tries. Winger Leicester Fainga’anuku emerged as the second-half hero, securing a hat-trick of tries. Foster couldn’t help but shake his head in amazement. “Leicester, you beauty! Hat-trick hero, and you’ve just earned yourself a lifetime supply of fush and chups!”
As the final whistle blew and the All Blacks headed to the knockout stages with formidable momentum, Foster knew that this victory was special. It was a culmination of hard work, talent, and a sprinkle of rugby magic.
McKenzie, named the Mastercard Player of the Match, summed it up succinctly, “I think it was a really enjoyable game, pretty free-flowing. It took us a long while to break Uruguay, they defended us really well, and then we were able to put some points on the board, so really proud of the win.”
Foster couldn’t resist adding a flash of hubris, mumbling under his breath, so no mics could pick it up: “Yes, Damian, enjoyable indeed! But let’s not forget, it was also the greatest victory in the history of victories!”
As the All Blacks looked ahead to the quarter-finals with anticipation and excitement, Foster couldn’t have been prouder of his team. “We’ve got to where we want to be,” he said with a grin. “And now, the world better watch out, because the All Blacks are on the march!”
Tags: All Blacks, All Blacks
