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'Rugby is bigger than all of us': Steve Hansen confirms why he is helping Wallabies
By Kim Ekin
Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has joined New Zealand radio personality Mike Hosking from Paris to clear up reports the coach has joined the Wallabies.
The news that the former All Blacks coach had linked up with the Australians left current hooker Dane Coles 'hurt' and 'gobsmacked' when reporters told him of the move.
But Hansen allayed fears that he would be plotting against his old team at the World Cup, explaining that his involvement is for just '3-4 days' to help out a mate.
"We're working hard and just like to put everybody's mind at rest that I haven't joined the Wallabies for the Rugby World Cup," he told Mike Hosking Breakfast on Newstalk ZB.
"I'm only here for about 3-4 days at the request of Eddie, a good mate of mine, just to give him some feedback on what he's doing, as opposed to anything else.
"Rugby is bigger than all of us, so happy to do that."
"The thing is, if you're working for someone you're getting paid, so I'm not working for anyone."
The Wallabies almost tipped over the All Blacks in the second Bledisloe in Dunedin but the comeback 23-20 win left Eddie Jones winless in his first four Tests in charge.
From what Hansen has seen from his first day in the Wallabies camp is that they are tracking in the right direction.
"I'm just here as a friend. I've only been here less than 24 hours. Personally, I don't think they've got a problem," he said.
"They're just a young side that are coming together, and they've got a coach that wants the to work hard and be better, and I think they're buying into that."
"They're rebuilding themselves, trying to re-establish themselves. Eddie seems pretty hellbent on having his own Australian style and they're learning that."
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Latest Comments
Who, Berry?! His rudeness to Kolisi, our freaking captain, was there for all to see!! Utterly disgraceful.
Erm, I only had one statement - as in 'only one full stop' so not sure where the 'irrelevance' comes in?
Go to commentsLet's be clear: Foster did not back unaquivocally players such as Vaa'i, Tamaiti and Roigard. Yes, he selected them in the squad, but it's a stretch to say he backed them. Those three players have only been backed fully this year (and thrived) under the new regime. There was massive hesitation to give those three guys serious game time in games of consequence.
It's another not-so-subtle dig from the old dynasty at any achievements Razor may be credited for.
Roigard in particular was a mind-baffling omission from the finals of the WC. After being the AB's best player against SA in the pre-WC match, he was not sighted in the big games that followed. Roigard is the type of guy who can win a game with a moment of brilliance, yet the established but uninspiring Christie was preferred to close out a close WC final.
So please, Fozzie, spare us the barely veiled laments about your unfair treatment and unseen achievements. The fact you feel you have to point them out is telling in itself. And it shows that despite saying you've moved on, you and your mate Hansen most definitely haven't.
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