A former New Zealand Rugby communications manager has criticised the All Blacks' "muddied approach" in the way they have communicated with their fans and dealt with the media during the series defeat to Ireland.
Writing on social-media platform LinkedIn, communications consultant Mike Jaspers highlighted the late cancellation of the normal Sunday post-test media conference after last weekend's defeat. This is a gathering where All Black coaches usually share with the public their views on the match.
"I feel for All Blacks coach Ian Foster, but really in the depths of a crisis the correct comms approach is not to duck the difficult questions unless you really are hanging up your boots. And I doubt he is."
Jaspers, who also worked as chief press secretary for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, said it was a mistake for Foster to tell journalists as he later stepped on the team bus that he had "no idea" why Sunday's press conference had been cancelled.
"Then NZR boss Mark Robinson issues that media statement effectively announcing a review. Or something more. It all fuels speculation."