Perhaps one of the keys to modern-day coaching is the ability to deliver the hard messages, while still enjoying the lighter side of international sports.
Faced with a jogjam of backline talent, All Blacks winger Sevu Reece has had to battle for a spot in starting line-up, often finding himself the odd man out, as coach Ian Foster tries to find the right balance for the big occasion.
But the Fijian-born flyer takes some consolation from a cheeky relationship with his boss that keeps things relaxed, even at the business end of a gruelling three-month campaign away from loved ones.
"After every training, our kickers - the goalkickers and halfbacks - get to stay back," Reece tells Newshub European correspondent Lisette Reymer. "Sometimes I try my luck and say, 'Foz, can I please just stay back and kick the ball around?'
"He'll say, 'No, get away'. Last week, he let me kick the ball around and I tried a few goalkicks, but he came to me today and told me, 'Get out, get out'."
At the end of Friday's training, Reece's special 'father-son' dynamic with Foster is on full display, as the wing - who's been nicknamed 'Sevu Foster' by his teammates - threatens to blackmail his coach to start him for the rest of the tour.
"I'll be like Fozz [Foster], the news, they've got some footage of you," Reece jokes.
The winger insists his coach is always on his case about something.
"I told Fozz [Foster] I've got media today and he said 'you be careful, boy," he laughs.
This weekend, Foster will give Reece another chance to show his wares - the only starter retained from last week's victory over Italy to face Ireland on Sunday.
Watch the full interview with Reece above and be sure to join us at 4am Sunday for live updates of the All Blacks v Ireland test match
