The All Blacks are going through an unprecedented crisis. For the first time since the World Rugby nations ranking existed (2003), the team led by Ian Foster fell to 5th place on Monday. A rank well below the performances of yesteryear, where New Zealand reigned unquestionably on the rugby planet, which results in many criticisms, in particular with regard to a coach more than ever in the hot seat.
Defeated by South Africa this weekend (26-10) as part of the 2022 Rugby Championship, the All Blacks have indeed conceded their third defeat in a row after two setbacks against Ireland in July. Worse, they have lost 5 of their last 6 test matches (France, three times Ireland and South Africa). Poor performance in terms of results and even in content, which worries about the ability of New Zealanders to bounce back, while the World Cup in France is fast approaching (September 2023).
The three-time world champions are relegated to 5th place in the world rugby rankings, behind England, which passes them just ahead, South Africa, the XV of France and Ireland, which have recovered the throne held by the Blues in mid-July, after the two victories against the All Blacks precisely.
The last time the All Blacks experienced such a dark streak was in 1949 and 1998, when the New Zealand team suffered 4 and 5 losses in a row respectively.