Foster happy for All Blacks to go under the radar at World Cup

Few people think New Zealand can win a fourth World Cup in France this year, but that should help their title hopes, according to head coach Ian Foster.

The All Blacks are coming off a difficult season, having lost a first home series to Ireland and a first defeat to Argentina on home soil in 2022.

That has tested home fans' faith in their World Cup hopes, though bookmakers rate the All Blacks second behind hosts France to win it.

Asked by New Zealand media whether his team could win a record fourth World Cup, Foster said: "Absolutely.

"The good thing is not too many other people think we can," he added.

"That's a slightly unusual space to be in as All Blacks. It doesn’t change our belief.

"But belief is only one thing: you’ve got to put it to work. We’ve got a job to do, and can’t wait to start."

Foster named a 36-man squad on Sunday for the abridged Rugby Championship which starts on 8 July, with the All Blacks to face Argentina in Mendoza.

Defending champions New Zealand have not won the southern hemisphere competition in a World Cup year since 2007 when it was known as the Tri-Nations and Argentina had yet to join.

However, New Zealand ended up winning back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015, so the lead-up Rugby Championship has not proved a reliable form guide for the global showpiece.

"Last year we had a bit of adversity, we got tight, and we’re actually craving as many big games as we can get at the moment," said Foster.

"We want to go in fully loaded to this Rugby Championship. I think it’s important for us to get back up to speed really quickly, and get our game right."

Foster included five uncapped players in his squad while a host of regular All Blacks recover from injuries including flanker Ethan Blackadder, centre