New Zealand coach Ian Foster believes his side's record 35-7 loss against South Africa on Friday can help his players by reducing expectations that the All Blacks will lift a record fourth Rugby World Cup in France in October.
The Twickenham mauling was the All Blacks' heaviest ever defeat as well as their first loss of the year, and comes two weeks before Foster's side begin their World Cup campaign against hosts France on Sept.
8.New Zealand had gone into the game having won all four of their previous matches in 2023 and successfully defended their Rugby Championship title, increasing expectations that Foster's team could lift the trophy at the Stade de France on Oct.
28.But after the loss, the All Blacks' coach was left hoping his team would now be able to finalise their preparations without the pressure of being tournament favourites. "We know the circumstances we're in and the goal we're looking for," he told reporters. "You can't deny it wasn't a good performance from us.