All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has come out to defend himself following calls he is no longer the right man for the job.
The side suffered a historic defeat to Ireland less than a week ago and failed to attend scheduled press conferences in its aftermath.
However, with the Rugby Championship fast approaching in August, the head coach fronted the media on Friday to announce his 36-man squad.
While Foster was quick to point out that attention should be afforded to the players who made the squad, he said he is both “accountable” for the side’s recent slump and “excited” to guide them through the next series.
"I am strong, I am resilient, I think I’ve proven that,” Foster told All Blacks media.
“I believe I have a great feel and relationship with my players. I'm strategic and I'm also accountable, and I take that on board.
“I promise you I understand that, and I am really excited about the chance to show you what this team is made of."
While both Foster and captain Sam Cane have been retained in their leadership roles, the head coach has assured changes are set to be made in the near future to boost the side’s chance of attaining success.
Both will lead the team to South Africa on Monday as the squad begins preparations to take on the Springboks on August 7.
Following two matches in the Highveld, the All Blacks will return to New Zealand to face Argentina before taking on Australia for the Bledisloe Cup in September.