By 1news.co.nz

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has survived, with New Zealand Rugby backing the much-maligned coach to lead the team through to next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Ian Foster addresses media after naming his All Blacks squad for the 2022 Rugby Championship.
Ian Foster addresses media after naming his All Blacks squad for the 2022 Rugby Championship. (Source: Getty)

The All Blacks’ poor form over the last 12 months has seen Foster come under intense scrutiny in the lead up to a brilliant victory over the Springboks last weekend.

That performance appears to have given the NZR board enough evidence that Foster is the right man for the job.

That victory was just the All Blacks’ second in their last seven Tests. They next face Argentina in Christchurch a week on Saturday.

Ian Foster and Aaron Smith after the All Blacks' stunning victory at Ellis Park.
Ian Foster and Aaron Smith after the All Blacks’ stunning victory at Ellis Park. (Source: Photosport)

Meanwhile, All Blacks selector and former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is set to take “a new and expanded role” in the coaching team.

“Joe (Schmidt) has had a positive impact in the two weeks since he started working alongside Ian and with (new forwards coach) Jason (Ryan) having a similarly positive impact in South Africa in his two weeks in the role we’re very excited about this incredibly capable and experienced coaching trio going forward,” NZR board chair Stewart Mitchell said.

Schmidt led the side during the All Blacks’ only victory in the home series against Ireland earlier this year after the All Blacks coaching staff were ruled out with Covid-19.