Ian Foster expects to remain as All Blacks coach.
Ian Foster. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The All Blacks beat the Springboks 35-23 in Johannesburg on Sunday morning following a run of five losses in six games.
The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) boss Mark Robinson on Sunday evening refused to back or sack the coach and wouldn't confirm whether Foster will be in charge for the All Blacks next test against Argentina in Christchurch on 27 August.
Robinson said there would be conversations in the next few days, with an announcement set to be made later this week.
Any decision on Foster's future was down to the board, he said.
Speaking after Robinson refused to back him, Foster said he planned on coaching the team against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday week, with the All Blacks squad gathering in Ōtautahi this weekend to prepare for the match.
"My expectation is I'm the All Black head coach and [next] weekend I'll be going to Christchurch and assembling for a team until I'm told anything different."
Robinson said NZR would review Foster's position and a decision should be announced by the middle of the week.
However it's understood the decision could come as late as Thursday or Friday. That doesn't leave a lot of time before the team gathers in Christchurch.
No.8 Ardie Savea said after the win in Joahnnesburg that Foster was "my coach" and he backed him "100 percent".
Captain Sam Cane echoed those sentiments after the Robinson presser, saying he "fully supports" the coach.
Cane said some of the criticism the coach had copped was unfounded and he presumed Foster would be coaching the All Blacks against the Pumas.
"It's hard when you know what's going on in camp. You know it's a happy camp that's working hard and you sometimes feel (the criticism) is unwarranted.
"We fully expect to carry on with Foz (Foster) as head coach at this stage."
Sam Cane. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Foster wasn't sure if he had the backing of his NZR bosses but expected to be in charge for the All Blacks next test, unless he was told otherwise.
He was confident the players were behind him, but conceded that may not be enough to appease the NZR board.
"I certainly feel I've got the support and backing of the All Blacks and I believe I've got the support … I think NZ Rugby … I guess there are processes they want to go through to categorically say that. What I do know is to coach this team you have to have categoric support."
Robinson denied there was a growing rift between him and Foster, but RNZ understands the two have barely spoken in the past few weeks.
It's understood the players are also unhappy about the lack of clarity from the NZR board and Robinson over Foster's future.
Cane conceded the speculation wasn't helping the team.
"Prefer if it wasn't going on. But, for the last wee while we've been pretty good at blocking stuff out and focusing on what's important and we'll just have to continue to do that."