Ian Foster's retention as All Blacks coach has earned mixed reviews from the world rugby media.
On Wednesday, Foster was given NZ Rugby's full backing and will continue as All Blacks head coach through the 2023 World Cup at least.
The 35-23 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park and the support of his players has counted in Foster's favour, as NZ Rugby opted for continuity, rather than change.
Foster will remain in charge of the All Blacks, with Joe Schmidt stepping into the role of attack coach in another boost for the side.
But while NZ Rugby's confidence appears resolute, support for Foster doesn't extend abroad, with various writers arguing for and against his continuation.
Here's what the press said:
Teetering on the brink
To go from 'one more loss and you're sacked' to 'you're the man to take us to the World Cup' does not sit well, however, and rather sums up the muddled thinking of the governing body over the past few years.
NZ Rugby have put themselves in a difficult situation from the outset by making an appointment they probably knew was going to be universally unpopular - yet they still did it anyway.
Despite NZR's proclamations and fervent backing, Foster is still teetering on the brink. By placing their faith in him until the World Cup, they have hindered, not helped, the head coach and left them open to further embarrassment should it all go wrong.
Changing the head coach is not ideal, but in 2018, South Africa showed that making the brave call can reap its rewards.
Foster may well be the man to take the All Blacks to glory, but recent results and performances suggest that NZ Rugby will pay the price for their conservativeness and indecisiveness, come the global tournament in France.
Always be those who doubt the All Black coach
While it may be to the All Blacks' detriment in the long run and would have left coaches across the world smiling, there is an outside chance Foster could be like Jake White and inspire a run of form that takes him towards France 2023 on the back of some good results.
That doesn't mean that other teams won't be happy about the result. The old term 'better the devil you know' applies quite handily here, and Ireland and France will both be confident of beating a Foster-coached team in the World Cup, as will the Springboks, if they do meet.
So while CEO Mark Robinson called it a "new dawn" for All Black rugby, it is anything but. It is a rehash of the same coaching philosophy, with Joe Schmidt taking a more active role in the coaching of the side.
With that in mind, there will always be those who doubt the All Black coach and the three sides on a collision course in France next year will happily continue their plotting for that meeting, not having to change tactics for a new coaching structure.
The good thing for NZ Rugby is that at least they have taken a decision and the team can move forward.
Whether Foster is the right man to lead them into the World Cup awaits to be seen.
A good outcome
The Schmidt bit is clearly a good outcome. He is undoubtedly one of the game's great coaches and his influence should ensure the All Blacks' competitiveness.
New Zealand Rugby can state their absolute confidence in Foster till the cows come home, but coercing Schmidt - a man most people accept didn't want a full-time or travelling coaching role anymore - to join the team suggests otherwise.
Let's be clear, getting Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan in to hold Foster's hand and/or do his job for him is a good result. A great result, actually.
If these past few weeks have told us anything, it's that NZR will go to extraordinary lengths - and hire and fire any number of assistants - to avoid admitting they appointed the wrong head coach.
Players have total faith
It is clear the players have total faith in the coach, having backed him in the media throughout the tough patch.
For example, Ardie Savea took to his social media to show his support of Foster, after the All Blacks' strong 35-23 win over the Springboks last weekend.
It seems the ideal situation for the players, who will be eager to continue their test season without a storm cloud overhead.
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