New Zealand Rugby to launch review after series defeat to Ireland

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said the board will launch a review on the All Blacks' performance in the recently concluded series against Ireland.

The decision follows after New Zealand's 22-32 defeat to Ireland in the third Test in Wellington which saw Andy Farrell's men register their maiden series win over the All Blacks. The result came a week after New Zealand lost their first game to Ireland at home.

The result also meant New Zealand have lost four our of their last five Tests and eight of 24 under Foster as they slipped to their lowest position in the World Rugby Rankings to fourth place.

“Congratulations to the Irish team for their well-deserved win last night but clearly the performance across the series for the All Blacks was not acceptable as we know they have reflected," said Robinson.

"We all know there is a huge amount of work to do.

“Our focus now is to work with Ian and his team to understand thoroughly in advance of the Rugby Championship what is needed to improve performance and where to go from here.

"We will begin this work immediately.”

New Zealand also had a tough outing in November last year where they lost to Ireland and France which led to criticism on Ian Foster's role as head coach but the board backed the 57-year-old to guide them through the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be held in France.