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Steve Hansen joins Wallabies World Cup efforts - report
By Ian Cameron
Former All Blacks head coach Sir Steve Hansen, renowned for his triumphant reign at the helm of New Zealand's All Blacks, has joined Australia's coaching staff to aid in their preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.
This development comes as the latest twist in what's been a disastrous Wallabies' run-up to the tournament, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that Hansen has accepted an invitation to provide guidance and insights to the Wallabies' coaching team, led by current head coach Eddie Jones.
Having already secured his legacy with the All Blacks by clinching the 2015 World Cup in England, the 64-year-old Hansen who has popped up for the odd World XV coaching gig, will now reportedly help his old rivals to navigate the tournament.
While Hansen will work in an advisory role, his influence could be telling as the embattled Wallabies gear up for their warm-up match against France in Paris this weekend.
Hansen's remarkable track record speaks for itself. Garnering acclaim as the World Rugby Coach of the Year from 2012 to 2014 and in 2016, alongside clinching the New Zealand Coach of the Year title from 2012 to 2016, Hansen's strategic prowess has been a cornerstone of the All Blacks' unparalleled success. Under his stewardship, the team achieved a staggering 88.5 per cent winning ratio in test matches. He steered the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 World Cup and was an assistant coach during the All Blacks' triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign four years earlier in 2011.
He won a string of Steinlager Series and Investec Rugby Championship wins during his tenure, as well as triumphant tours to the Northern Hemisphere in 2013, 2014, and 2017.
His storied career began in Canterbury, highlighted by numerous NPC First Division titles and his impactful role as an assistant coach for the Crusaders' title wins in 1999 and 2000.
In recognition of his indelible contributions, Hansen was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2012.
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Latest Comments
Funny man.
Go to commentsWhile I thought Pollock and Willis played well and got through a ton of work, I am not sure their contributions deserved quite the level of praise they're getting. Australia were effective at the breakdown, especially in the first half, and their defence held firm against the forwards' assault. England's attack was more effective out wide (albeit with the forwards earning them the right to use that space).
For me, the most important performance for the senior England side - at least in the short term - was Will Porter. He was quick to the breakdown, made smart decisions under pressure, provided excellent support play and delivered the ball accurately. His afternoon was epitomised by his role in Langdon's try - tracking the move from Carpenter's catch, being on hand to pick up the loose ball after Carpenter missed the offload, then smartly changing direction to avoid a tackle long enough to make the long pass to Langdon and give him a walk in.
Given none of the other England scrum halves on display over the road have set the world alight, I think Porter should be given a chance against Japan, perhaps off the bench. He also has the huge advantage that England have finally committed to Marcus Smith, and Porter is now Quins' first choice 9. The understanding they have could make a material difference to England's attack.
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