Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

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

By Kim Ekin
(Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

“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.”

Fixture
Internationals
France
41 - 17
Full-time
Australia
All Stats and Data

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 11

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road

Pacific Four Series 2024 | Canada vs USA

Japan Rugby League One | Verblitz v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Fresh Starts | Episode 2 | Sam Whitelock

Royal Navy Men v Royal Air Force Men | Full Match Replay

Royal Navy Women v Royal Air Force Women | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

J
Jon 3 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

15 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE 'Had Feyi-Waboso stayed with us, he’d be playing for Wales by now - he should be playing for Wales.' 'Had Feyi-Waboso stayed with us, he’d be playing for Wales by now - he should be playing for Wales.'
Search