Rugby seems incredibly slow to learn the lesson of a failing coach. New Zealand has labored 4 years under Foster. Eddie Jones wrecked English rugby and then wrecked Australian rugby. Galtier having failed with a great team now looks out of touch. Borthwick has managed one decent game, against the Boks in the semis. The Boks were clueless under Coetzee, ignoring their core strengths
Credit to South African rugby for having the guts to boot Alistair, Eluckmiss returned the Boks to its traditional strengths, an essential if obvious first step.
Several of these coaches, like Foster, are just too old…out of touch with their players. Old men who have lost their fire.
This year under Razor we will be able to see if New Zealand rugby has really declined. The right age, with passion and a record of success. England and France look lost. Ireland and the Boks have continuity, a significant advantage, although Eluckmiss has implicitly targeted a more balanced style and managing the transition will be tricky.
It’s going to be an interesting year.