Isa Nacewa: The 'masterstroke' that saved Ian Foster

<p>Former Super Rugby and European Cup star Isa Nacewa believes Ian Foster's survival as All Blacks coach wasn't all about victory over South Africa, it was also about the rise and rise of Joe Schmidt.</p> <p>New Zealand Rugby's announcement that Ian Foster will lead the All Blacks through to the next World Cup <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/all-blacks-ian-foster-survives-as-coach-joe-schmidt-elevated-in-coaching-setup/FFH3VRNT6WHY2HE25ICSFUHPCA/">came with an important footnote</a>: that Schmidt would progress from being an analyst and selector, to a hands-on role as the side's attack coach.</p> <p>It's a move that Nacewa, who played three incredibly successful seasons under Schmidt at Irish side Leinster between 2010 and 2013, is calling a masterstroke.</p> <p>"I know how much impact Joe Schmidt will have now that he's physically on the field, it will be immense," Nacewa told Newstalk ZB's D'Arcy Waldegrave on Thursday.</p> <p>"I've seen it first hand as a player and I'm seeing it again from a distance."</p> <p>As a player, Nacewa enjoyed the most successful seasons of his career under Schmidt as Leinster romped to 77 wins from 99 matches under his guidance; including three European Cup titles and a Pro12 title.</p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em>Isa Nacewa (L) Joe Schmidt (C) and Jonathan Sexton (R) celebrate Leinster's Pro12 title victory in 2013. Photo / Photosport</em></p> <p>Nacewa believes Schmidt's new All Blacks position was a crucial factor in giving the NZR board the confidence to retain Foster as the leader of the coaching setup.<br><br>"The win in South Africa played a part in Fozzie being reinstated; but to me the masterstroke was the appointment of Joe Schmidt.</p> <p>"I am a big Joe Schmidt fan. This is a coach that knows what he wants, knows how to lift players to the level and will take the responsibility on his shoulders to get them there.</p> <p>"He won't say 'hey, I haven't got the players', he'll go 'these players are good enough, give them to me, I'll make a difference' and