Relieved, Foster thanked the federation's board and chief executive Mark Robinson for their "strong support".

"It's a privilege to hold this position, it's never something you take for granted," he said.

The 57-year-old coach therefore remains in charge of the All Blacks for the next home match against Argentina on August 27 in Christchurch, as part of the third day of the Rugby Championship, and theoretically until the World Cup in France in September 2023.

Stewart Mitchell, chairman of New Zealand Rugby, insisted the board still had faith in Foster despite losing three out of the last five games of the year.

"I definitely want to point out that Ian Foster as head coach and Mark (Robinson) as general manager both have the full support" of the board, Mitchell said.

Foster was under pressure after back-to-back defeats at home to Ireland last month, followed by a heavy loss to South Africa.

"Enthusiastic"

Sunday, Robinson had thus refused to publicly support Foster, even after the victory of the All Blacks against South Africa the day before in Johannesburg (35-23), for the 2nd day of the Rugby Championship, competition which brings together the four best nations of the southern hemisphere.

But Foster claims to have held no resentment after this episode.

"In a way, it's also part of Robo's (Robinson) and Stew's (Mitchell) job to criticize me," he said.

"I wish it weren't, but we live in the real world and we're under pressure to perform. I don't mind that," he added.

Foster had received support from players like Ardie Savea and captain Sam Cane after Saturday's win.

His predecessor Steve Hansen had also recently given him strong support, blaming the leaders of New Zealand rugby.

"I don't think they are doing their job properly," he said at the end of July.

Urged, as such, to resign by certain New Zealand media, Mark Robinson insisted on Tuesday on the current unity of all the components of the All Blacks.

"We're really excited about (...) the changes we've seen and some of the adjustments Foster" has made, he said.

"We believe - at board, executive and player level - that together we support this."

© 2022 AFP