All Blacks coach Ian Foster concedes they must find their best combinations this year, following a disappointing 2021.
Foster's been forced to use a number of different players in key positions during his tenure, but as the All Blacks fall behind the rest of the world, he admits it's time to settle on his best team.
"This year really is about trying to narrow it down, and we know last year we didn't have a lot of opportunity to build in-depth combinations," Foster told Newshub. "This year, we'll be looking to do that more and more."
Foster hasn't been able to do that since taking over in 2020, but with the World Cup 18 months away, there are several positions he wants to consolidate this year.
The midfield remains a key area where Foster needs to settle on his best pairing, but it appears unlikely Jordie Barrett is part of it.
"This time last year it was all about whether he was going to be a wing or fullback and he said everyone knows I want to be a fullback and this year he said he's happy to play 12, so he's a talented young man isn't he," said Foster.
2021 was tough for Foster and the All Blacks. Three losses, including their final two games of the end of year tour, saw the All Blacks record their worst season in 12 years.
Foster knows July's series with Ireland will be a key measure of the lesson's from last year's defeats.
"I love that, that's just a great challenge for us and there's no better way to answer some questions than to go and play them again."
Helping Foster try and turn the tide will be new assistants Mike Cron and Andrew Strawbridge, who've been brought in to bolster the current coaching group.
But he rejects any suggestions the addition of two more assistant coaches to help his current group should be seen as a sign of panic.
"I clearly don't agree with that," Foster said ."It's a matter of us showing we want to find the answers."
"It's an indication we want to grow and improve."
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