All Blacks gobsmacked by news Steve Hansen will help Wallabies

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles says he’s shocked that former coach Steve Hansen is helping the Wallabies.

World Cup winner Hansen has accepted an invitation from Australia coach Eddie Jones and will join the Wallabies camp this week ahead of Sunday’s warmup test against World Cup hosts France in Paris.

Coles, who is in London ahead of the All Blacks clash with South Africa at Twickenham this weekend, was caught off guard by the news.

“Yeah?” was Coles reaction when he was told by the media after today’s All Blacks training session.

“What, actually? In camp, kind of set-up?

“Shag, what are you up to? That hurts a little bit, to be fair.

Dane Coles of the All Blacks
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

“I’m actually gobsmacked. I know he’s quite tight with Eddie – they’re pretty good mates – but he’s a bit of an icon in the All Blacks set-up.

“I’m a bit speechless, it’s a bit disappointing, but we can’t do much about that.

“He’s a great man… I’m actually gobsmacked. I thought you guys were having a bit of a laugh.

“Hopefully he doesn’t tell Eddie any of our secrets, but I think he’ll be respectful. If he’s respectful to the All Blacks – and I think he will be – there’ll be no problems, but that’s just me trying to process what you’ve just said.”

Meanwhile loose forward Ardie Savea said “everyone has to do what they have to do, good on him.”

Hansen has joined Australia in a short-term advisory role in the leadup to the Rugby World Cup after accepting an invitation from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

An Australia team spokesperson confirmed Hansen, who guided the All Blacks to their 2015 World Cup win in England, would be in camp this week ahead of Sunday’s warmup test against World Cup hosts France in Paris.

Hansen is not being paid by Rugby Australia for what is expected to be a one-week stint, the spokesperson said.

Jones and Hansen have battled from opposing coaches’ boxes throughout their long careers, most notably during the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Under Jones, England upset Hansen’s All Blacks 19-7 in the semi-finals before losing 32-12 to South Africa in the final.

Jones, who is winless from four tests in his second stint coaching the Wallabies, is expected to name his matchday squad for the France clash on Friday.

Australia, under former coach Dave Rennie, were beaten 30-29 away by France last November.

– Reuters