Ian Foster mocks Johnny Sexton subtly.
Ian Foster, the New Zealand coach, addresses the media.
Ian Foster, the head coach of New Zealand, has criticized former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton for his behavior following Saturday’s quarterfinal in Paris.
Irish players boldly withdrew from the Rugby World Cup after last weekend’s 24-28 loss to the All-Blacks. Both Ireland’s campaign and Johnny Sexton’s time wearing an Ireland jersey came to an end with the game.
Enjoy retirement and don’t miss the flight home, New Zealand’s Rieko Ioane yelled at Sexton after the final whistle, infuriating him. Sexton approached the New Zealand player and started to argue after being seen on camera appearing obviously angry. At the time, Jack Conan, an Ireland and Leinster colleague, escorted the star player away.
Foster was questioned about Sexton’s comments as he prepared his All-Blacks team to play Argentina in this week’s semifinal. Foster made a sly jab at Sexton’s treatment of referees in reference to Sexton’s verbal incident with referee Jaco Peyper during the Champions Cup final of the previous season, for which he received a three-game suspension.
“It happens in most sporting parks when tensions are high and a lot is at stake,” Foster stated. “Unfortunately, there have also been a few instances recently when players have spoken to referees. Does it fit the game? I’m not sure. There aren’t many players that complain about it.
Sam Cane, the captain of New Zealand, mirrored the ideas and remarks of his coach. “It’s the players’ different personalities and emotions running high in those moments,” he continued. “There are always people who have different tactics, but it’s always just left out there.”
Live coverage of New Zealand’s match versus Argentina will start at 8 p.m. on Friday. RTÉ2 will provide a live feed of the game.