All Blacks coach Foster downplays pressure ahead of Ireland series decider

Ian Foster has downplayed the pressure mounting on him as New Zealand coach, saying on Thursday that all his focus is on beating an outstanding Ireland in the series-deciding third Test.

Foster announced four personnel changes and two positional switches to his starting team for Saturday's Test in Wellington, while also freshening up his replacements bench with three new faces, including uncapped former rugby league international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Veteran lock Sam Whitelock is a key figure returning to the pack after missing the second Test with concussion symptoms.

Prop Nepo Laulala and exciting Crusaders backs Will Jordan and David Havili are the other recalled players to the starting side beaten 23-12 in last week's second Test in Dunedin.

The tourists have made just one injury-enforced starting change to the team who notched a first Ireland win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, with Bundee Aki restored at inside centre.

He replaces the injured Garry Ringrose, with Robbie Henshaw moving out one place in the midfield.

Captain Johnny Sexton was cleared to start at flyhalf after shaking off a knee niggle that forced him off late in Dunedin while influential flanker Peter O'Mahony successfully completed his head assessment protocols after taking a knock during the second Test.

'A lot of reflection'

Victory for Ireland would provide more ammunition for critics of Foster, whose record since succeeding Steve Hansen in 2020 has been modest by New Zealand standards and has prompted a growing call that he be replaced before next year's World Cup.

Foster said he was aware of the public sentiment, saying "you certainly get used to it", before diverting attention to the task at hand.

He said there had been a deep period of