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By Reuters 
3h ago
WELLINGTON – All Blacks coach Ian Foster says he is hopeful South Africa can take their place in this year’s Rugby Championship, but his immediate concern is to get it right for the remaining three Bledisloe Cup games against the Wallabies.
The Springboks will make a decision this week about playing in the Southern Hemisphere competition from November 7 to December 12 in Australia, as they grapple with concerns about player welfare and uncertainty over Covid-19 travel restrictions.
“We would love to have them there,” Foster told reporters.
“Quality people, quality team. They would be fantastic for what is brewing ahead (with the Rugby Championship).
“We know the challenges they have gone through … but it would be great to play against them in the park.”
Argentina, the other team in the Championship, has already arrived in Australia and is under quarantine protocols.
After the All Blacks drew 16-16 with the Wallabies in their opening Bledisloe Cup game on Sunday, Foster spent much of his time with reporters Monday discussing the decision not to shoot a drop goal after the game. Regulation had passed 80 minutes.
In hindsight, he said, the team should have slowed down the pace of its attack and taken time to assess the situation, with flyhalf Richie Mo’unga attempting a drop goal if necessary.
Mo’unga, who was suffering from shoulder pain after a series of what Foster described as late tackles, said Monday that he probably hadn’t communicated well enough when the All Blacks frantically lunged at the Wallabies’ line.
“I was in a position to take one, but the decision was for the forwards to just pick in the middle,” Mo’unga said.
“Could you have had a better voice? Maybe. But when you’re like this, it’s a bit agitated.
“As a games driver we could definitely do a lot better.”
Game two against the Wallabies is in Auckland on Sunday.
Reuters
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