Wellington (AFP)

No revolution in New Zealand. Despite a subdued World Cup, the Rugby Union opted for continuity by appointing All Blacks coach Ian Foster, deputy for eight years of his predecessor Steve Hansen.

Foster, 54, signs for two years at the head of the All Blacks. The other members of his team have not been revealed.

The federation preferred it among the 26 candidates it had polled, including Scott Robertson, the other great contender for the position, with his three Super Rugby titles with the Canterbury Crusaders.

"I feel really privileged and honored to have this opportunity, and I look forward to leading the team to the next chapter of what is already a remarkable legacy," said Ian Foster.

"He brings a world-class international experience, an incredibly strong coaching staff, and we think he will do a great job," Brent Impey said in a statement.

And indeed, the man knows the house well. "Fozzie", first co-coach of the Junior All Blacks, the New Zealand reserve team, was mainly for eight years the assistant, as back coach, Steve Hansen.

The now ex-coach dubbed him before leaving by calling him "extraordinary coach".

Together, they had one of the most successful seasons in New Zealand rugby, with the unmistakable triumph at the 2015 World Cup and six titles out of eight possible in the Rugby Championship against the big nations of the Southern Hemisphere.

- Half term -

Admittedly, this golden age seems to have ended with the elimination against England in the semi-finals in Japan (19-7), the only defeat in World Cup that Foster has ever known in the staff of the All Blacks and the first of Kiwis since 2007 after an incredible series of 18 consecutive wins.

But the selection committee, which includes 2011 world champion coach Graham Henry, has not opted for the mess.

Logic enough in a selection little adept sudden turnovers, where the team and the sports project are built in the long term.

Yet, Foster, whose critics point to the Waikato Chiefs' poor record of wins - a Super 14 final lost in eight years - does not seem to have convinced the New Zealand authorities 100%.

The former third line was not spared by critics after the elimination against the English.

The choices at the back, Foster's area of ​​expertise, had been questioned. Especially those of inexperienced players after long hesitations.

Above all, his term does not run until the next World Cup. Difficult to see a full and complete confidence when the New Zealand ogre displays as the number one goal to win back his world crown in France in 2023.

To prove himself in official competition, he will have only two editions of the Rugby Championship. Objective: take back the title to South Africa, before considering doing the same with the world title.

And his game will be all the more scrutinized during the traditional test-matches against representatives of the North.

The first date should be in July, with a friendly double home showdown against Wales.

© 2019 AFP