All Blacks coach Ian Foster has revealed a meeting with his players led to the appointment of new assistant Jason Ryan.
The Crusaders forwards coach and scrum guru has been appointed as the latest addition to Foster's backroom staff, before their trip to South Africa for two tests in the Rugby Championship.
Ryan's arrival sees All Blacks assistant coaches John Plumtree and Brad Mooar relieved of their duties, after joining in 2020.
Foster believes the team are on the right track, as they prepare to turn around a disastrous start to the season, following their series defeat to Ireland.
"The changes we've made are ones I think the team needs, and this is what is the best for this All Blacks team to go forward and play better," he told Sky TV's Breakdown.
"I said to our leaders and senior players, 'You go guys away and have a think about where we're at the things we have to move'.
"They also did a similar process with NZ Rugby, as is normal after a series, and out of that, I think we have a clear mandate that there's a strong belief in the direction we are going, but there's a feeling that we actually need to get a new voice in the air and make some changes to get the games we want to get.
"Part of their feedback was strong about their own leadership and things they need to do better. It wasn't just about management, but there was a clear message about a couple of things.
"Players have a lot of belief in him [Ryan] as a person and a coach. He's done a great job, particularly the last couple of years with the Crusaders.
"Primarily, early on, he's going to have a clear focus around the lineout, driving play and defence."
Foster has come under fire after their historic series loss to the Irish, with many suggesting a change at head coach is needed, with the Rugby World Cup just 14 months away - but Foster believes he still has the backing of his players.
"That's one of the questions I got them to talk about," he said. "I'm not in the room, it's just them.
"There's been a lot of people putting me under pressure for a long time. In many ways, this is not new to the group, but part of my job is to always go back, and get an honest appraisal from them of how I'm going and the belief factor.
"I believe I've got the group, but now I have to deliver a plan, and part of the changes we've made is making sure I'm not taking for granted their belief and direction I'm heading, but also listening to them and making changes we all feel we need for this team."
Ryan joins the All Blacks after a successful six seasons with the Crusaders, as an assistant under head coach Scott Robertson.
He admits the news still hasn't quite sunk in yet, but he's looking forward to getting started.
"Pretty cool - really, really good," he told Newshub. "Pretty overwhelmed but looking forward to what's ahead, it's going to be great.
"We got a lot of work to do obviously, but I'll start thinking about that next week."
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