Hard conversation key to All Black growth

IMPROVED PACK: Forwards coach Jason Ryan during a New Zealand rugby media conference at INSEP in Paris, France. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Joe Schmidt wasn’t the only man ushered in to a new-look All Black coaching staff after the historic series loss to Ireland last year and the fallout that left head man Ian Foster clinging on to his job.

Jason Ryan made the step up from the Crusaders as Foster reshuffled his backroom staff and both men have manufactured clear and obvious improvements in the 16 months since.