'Rugby is bigger than all of us': Steve Hansen confirms why he is helping Wallabies

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.”