English rugby commentator Stuart Barnes has saluted the Irish touring squad for a series win that "stamped a psychological superiority all over New Zealand" — but he warned the result could spark changes that will make the All Blacks stronger at next year's Rugby World Cup.
Writing in The Times, the former first-five outlined the changes to coaching and playing personnel that could bring success for the All Blacks after "a forensic examination of the situation".
Barnes said the All Blacks are destined for failure at the World Cup if coach Ian Foster remains at the helm, adding "Ireland not only played, but coached them off the park".
"Foster seems set to fall," he wrote. "If he remains, New Zealand will fall at the quarter-final to either their Irish bogeymen or South Africa. If action is immediate and Scott Robertson is offered the post ASAP, the all-conquering Crusaders coach can galvanise a great rugby country.
"Robertson as manager and [Ardie] Savea as captain — with that combination in place I wouldn't be rushing to write off the All Blacks' 2023 hopes quite yet."