All Blacks coach Ian Foster says “hurting” fans have every right to be angry but need to get in behind the ailing side.
The three-time Rugby World Cup winners registered two unsavoury records with their latest 18-25 defeat to the Pumas.
It marked the first time they had lost to Argentina on home soil and the first time in 119 years that New Zealand had lost three consecutive Tests at home.
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New Zealand has lost six of its last eight matches, rekindling scrutiny of coach Foster.
Despite the team’s lacklustre form of late, Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium was sold out for the international Test.
“I thought the crowd were fantastic and I thought the crowd’s attitude to the team afterwards was fantastic,” said Foster.
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“I think we just need as much support as we can get now. It’s hurting and we know everyone else is hurting.
“If people want to get angry, that’s their choice, but now is the time to get in behind this team.”
After the All Blacks beat South Africa away from home, Rugby New Zealand confirmed Foster’s place through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
However, the coaching staff underwent some changes.
Crusaders and Fiji forwards coach Jason Ryan recently joined the side while John Plumtree, who Ryan replaced, and backs coach Brad Mooar parted company.
Foster said the All Blacks are seeking consistency as they try to find a way to resolve their woes.
“When you’re trying to build something a little different it takes a little while and it’s pretty frustrating, isn’t it?” Foster said.
“It’s frustrating I’m sure for the viewers and the fans and it’s frustrating for us.
“We have got a lot of faith that some of the things we’re building are paying dividends, but it needs to happen quickly and we know that.
“Let’s face it, we’re all hurting too – none of us like losing,” he added.
“I guess the flip side of it is that everyone’s aware that we’re putting some new players in some areas, we’re trying to grow parts of our game that we think we’ve struggled with.
“We were quite rightly criticised last year perhaps for being beat up front in certain games and we’ve made big shifts in that.
“But we’ve got to put all those little learnings into one game and we showed that we can do it in South Africa and we’ve got to do it again in Hamilton.”
New Zealand will face Argentina at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on September 3.
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