All Blacks’ best yet to come: Foster

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster doesn’t believe his side is playing to their full potential yet despite their continued dominance of world rugby.

The world champions continue to look invincible despite losing several high profile players including Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter who retired following last year’s World Cup win.

Despite the changing of the guard this year, the All Blacks were far too strong in racking up a convincing series win over Wales, before defending the Bledisloe Cup against Australia.

However Foster is confident they can still raise their game to another level.

“I know people are excited but I don’t think we’re there yet, personally” he says.

“It’s a credit to the guys we have lost to the work they have put into the culture of this team, that when they left it’s carried on trucking.”

He also praised the work of captain Kieran Read and Ben Smith for the way they have picked up the mantle.

“The leadership group particularly get a big pat on the back because they’re just leading in their own style.

“It encompasses the new guys and the enthusiasm they’re bringing into the squad and Kieran and Ben are working hard to make sure the environment doesn’t become oppressive” Foster says.

He remains confident they will not drop off their intensity when they face Argentina in the next round of the Rugby Championship in Hamilton this Saturday night.

“Test matches are tough – we’re asking our guys to put their body on the line, play at a high skill level so we just don’t want to get distracted.

“We have got to make sure we keep performing because we don’t want to judge ourselves mid championship on how well we’re going. We will do that at the end but the signs are positive.”

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