2023-10-18 18:05:27
By the editorial staff
Published 15 minutes ago, Updated now
Tana Umaga, the New Zealander of Samoan origin. SAMEER AL-DOUMY / AFP
The former captain of New Zealand has not forgotten the violent criticism of which the All Blacks and their coach were the target.
Tana Umaga, the iconic former center and captain of New Zealand, participated in this World Cup as a member of the Samoa staff, finishing fourth in Pool D behind England, Argentina and Japan. Guest of the official World Cup podcast, the former RC Toulon player and coach was invited to comment on the journey of the All Blacks, back to the forefront after going through strong turbulence. And he didn’t mince his words.
“Now that we are in the semi-final, everyone returns home and enthusiasm is reborn,” he snapped. Adding: “We didn’t expect much from New Zealand before this match against Ireland. Even in New Zealand, the fans did not give Ian Foster’s team the slightest chance of winning this match. A lot has happened at home. But now, the team has qualified for the semi-finals.”
“People rarely use kind words about coaches”
And to support coach Ian Foster, the target of much criticism before finding the light: “I felt sorry for Ian Foster. I thought about him, about what he went through. We love our national team, like everyone else. People like to express themselves and they rarely use kind words towards coaches. He went through difficult times. I have compassion for him and his family.”
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