Rugby-Record defeat will lift World Cup pressure off All Blacks, says Foster

Rugby Union - New Zealand v South Africa - World Cup warm-up - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - August 25, 2023 New Zealand's Beauden Barrett and teammates look dejected as South Africa lift the Qatar Airways cup after the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

(Reuters) - New Zealand coach Ian Foster believes his side's record 35-7 loss against South Africa on Friday can help his players by reducing expectations that the All Blacks will lift a record fourth Rugby World Cup in France in October.

The Twickenham mauling was the All Blacks' heaviest ever defeat as well as their first loss of the year, and comes two weeks before Foster's side begin their World Cup campaign against hosts France on Sept. 8.