Many fans were caught by surprise yesterday when Ian Foster was given unfettered support to coach the All Blacks through to the Rugby World Cup.
The New Zealand Rugby Board said it voted unanimously to retain Foster in the wake of the unexpected win over the Springboks in Johannesburg - a dynamic display which ended a run of three straight losses and was arguably the best performance of his chequered tenure.
A delighted Foster explained how adversity had forged the team's resolve at Ellis Park and revived his own career.
Officials resisted the urge to introduce Crusaders maestro Scott Robertson as head coach a year out from the global showpiece.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Robertson remains a valued figure but is urging the public to now swing behind Foster.
New Zealand Rugby didn't respond to our requests for Foster or any member of its management to speak to us this morning.
Rugby columnist and commentator Scotty Stevenson spoke to Corin Dann.
