Sports Rugby-Union

Ian Foster bemoans 'card festival' in historic Dunedin defeat

Ian Foster bemoans 'card festival' in historic Dunedin defeat
[Photo Credit: News Hub]

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has hit out at the direction rugby officiating is going in, after a card-filled affair in his side's defeat to Ireland in Dunedin on Saturday.

As New Zealand slipped to a first defeat to Ireland on home soil, the All Blacks' efforts were hampered by three players being sent from the field, courtesy of two yellow cards and one red.

Foster also addressed the confusion that saw shambolic scenes as the All Blacks returned to 14 men, as both Dalton Papalii and Ardie Savea attempted to return to the field.

The pair had both been substituted in order to keep two front rowers on the field after Tuungafasi and Ta'avao's cards, but Savea was forced to leave for a second time to keep the All Blacks at 14.

As the man to make way after Ta'avao's red card, Savea wasn't permitted to return to the field for the rest of the game.

FNRL

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