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Hansen discusses the possibility of a Fekitoa move
By Peter Thompson
Steve Hansen hopes Malakai Fekitoa stays in New Zealand but will support the centre if he opts to join Toulon.
The 25-year-old powerhouse has been linked with a big-money move from Highlanders to France.
Wealthy Top 14 side Toulon on Wednesday released a statement to stress that they do not comment on speculation over potential new recruits.
All Blacks coach Hansen wants Fekitoa, who has won 24 caps for the world champions, to remain in his homeland but said only the player himself can decide what path to take.
He told Radio Sport: "He's making a decision based on what's right for him, and like all of the guys that go overseas, we don't want them to go, but we've got to support them.
"If he goes overseas, we'll support him in that."
Uncertainty over Fekitoa's future comes as Highlanders prepare for a Super Rugby quarter-final at Crusaders on Saturday and coach Tony Brown is in no mood to be distracted by talk of a potential exit for one of his key men.
"It's professional rugby, there is always going to be those rumours." he said.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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