All Blacks coach Foster survives storm, says no expanded role for Joe Schmidt 

Despite speculation of wholesale change, Ian Foster has just made two alternations to his squad for the Rugby Championship

CALM BEFORE THE STORM: New Zealand All Blacks coach Ian Foster   (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has survived the storm of criticism that followed the mid-year series loss to Ireland, at least for now, and on Friday promised change ahead of two Rugby Championship Tests against the Springboks.

Foster’s head was on the block after last week’s humiliating 32-22 defeat at the hands of the Irish in Wellington, which resulted in the All Blacks losing a home series for the first time in the professional era.