From the All Blacks to the Prime Minister, New Zealanders have been shocked by the defection of Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Steve Hansen to help the Wallabies.
However, Hansen played down his role against the Kiwis’ main rivals, saying he was only helping out mate Eddie Jones and would be gone by the end of the week.
All Black Dane Coles spoke on behalf of a nation when briefed on Hansen’s short-term role with the Wallabies.
“Fuck, what are you doing?” said the surprised hooker, referring to Hansen’s nickname, when told of the defection.
“It hurts a bit, to be honest. In fact, I’m speechless (…) it’s a bit of an icon in the setup of the All Blacks.
Former All Blacks manager Sir Steve Hansen has agreed to help the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup.
Hansen has played down his role and is well known in rugby circles to be close friends with Eddie Jones (pictured).
“Actually, I’m a bit speechless. It’s a little disappointing, but there’s not much we can do about it.
Coles was the starting hooker for the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup under Hansen, a tournament in which they beat Australia in the final for their third and most recent title.
The shockwave caused by Hansen’s decision clearly resonated in Wellington, where Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was equally appalled.
When asked what Hansen’s punishment should be, Hipkins exclaimed, “We should revoke his citizenship,” before laughing and quickly adding, “That’s a joke, just to be very clear.” »
Hansen phoned the Kiwi Newstalk ZB radio station to set the record straight.
“I would just like to reassure everyone that I didn’t join the Wallabies for the Rugby World Cup,” he said.
“I’m here for about three or four days at the request of Eddie, a good friend of mine, just to give him feedback on what he’s been doing.
“Rugby is bigger than all of us, so I’m happy to do it.”
All Blacks star Dane Cole (left) said he was ‘stunned’ by Hansen’s decision
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins joked that Hansen should have his ‘citizenship revoked’
Hansen said he was not being paid for his appearance in Paris this week as the Wallabies prepare for their final World Cup preparation against France this weekend.
Australia are yet to win a game under Jones in his second coaching spell, but Hansen said he liked what he saw during his short spell in the Wallabies camp.
“Australia is actually doing well,” he said.
“It’s just a young team coming together and they have a coach who wants them to work hard and be better. I think they buy into that.
France and Ireland are the favorites to win the tournament, but Hansen expressed doubts about the two favorites.
Australia have lost all four of their Test matches this season, with Jones failing to claim victory since taking charge earlier this year alongside fellow Kiwi Dave Rennie.
Eyebrows have been raised over Jones’ decision to drop fly-half Quade Cooper (right) from Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad, which begins on September 8.
He questioned Ireland’s ability to go deep given they have never made it past the quarter-finals of a World Cup, and said France would struggle to replace the five- eighth Romain Ntamack, freshly injured.
The 64-year-old reserved his most enthusiastic praise for the All Blacks, who face South Africa this weekend after an unbeaten 2023.
” They are doing very well. They are exactly where they want to be,” Hansen said.
“They know how they want to play (and) they trust each other.”
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