A former star of the All Blacks has pointed to the team’s historic loss to the Springboks last year as a clear signal that substantial improvements are necessary.
After narrowly losing to the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup final, the All Blacks are set to embark on a new chapter under the leadership of coach Scott Robertson and his fresh management team.
Despite the narrow one-point difference in the RWC title match, the Springboks delivered the most significant defeat to the All Blacks in the rich history of New Zealand rugby, securing a 35-7 victory at Twickenham on the World Cup’s eve.
AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE SPRINGBOKS AGAINST THE ALL BLACKS
The Springboks managed to score five tries to one, with flyhalf Manie Libbok successfully converting each, propelling them to France with strong momentum and marking a new record by surpassing New Zealand’s previous largest loss (21 points) — a 28-7 setback in Sydney in 1999.
Marshall has criticized the inconsistency in results over the past four years under Ian Foster’s tenure.
“I feel very strongly about it. It’s crucial, from now until the next World Cup, where we aim to be victorious, that we continue to forge history and safeguard our legacy,” Marshall conveyed to The Platform.
“The variance in performance over the last four years since Ian Foster assumed leadership is unacceptable, and it demands our attention.” Indeed, there were moments of greatness and achievement, but also significant disappointments that mar our history,” he further explained.
“Experiencing a loss to Argentina for the first time ever, a defeat in a Test match on our soil against Argentina, losing to Ireland for the first time at home, and dropping a Test series for the initial time.
“Such outcomes are intolerable. Being defeated by South Africa with a record score does not reflect the essence of the All Blacks.”
