Rugby-New Zealand's Foster era ends with a close one that got away

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand head coach Ian Foster walks past The Webb Ellis Cup during the trophy presentation after the match REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS (Reuters) - New Zealand arrived at the Rugby World Cup in the unusual position of not being favourites but came within a whisker of claiming a fourth title and sending coach Ian Foster out an unlikely winner.

Foster had overseen a turbulent four years since taking over as coach from Steve Hansen after a semi-final exit at the last World Cup, almost losing his job last year after a home series loss to Ireland.