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All Blacks boss Ian Foster has no issue with New Zealand coaching great Steve Hansen linking up with the Wallabies and doesn’t believe he’ll divulge any secrets to Eddie Jones.
As revealed by this masthead, Hansen has joined Wallabies camp after an invitation from Jones ahead of Australia’s World Cup warm-up match against France on Sunday (Monday 1:45am AEST).
Hansen and Jones have pointed out that it is only a one-week role but the sight of the 2015 World Cup winner in an Australian setup is something few could have imagined.
All Blacks hooker Dane Coles said this week he was “gobsmacked” that Hansen would consider helping the Wallabies.
Speaking ahead of New Zealand’s Test against South Africa in London this week, Foster was quizzed about news of Hansen’s role with Australia.
“Outstanding. He’s agreed to give me three pages of notes about what’s going on [with them],” Foster joked.
“I’ve got no issues. He’s good mates with Eddie … but there’s no lack of trust. There’s still a commitment to us and what we do.”
All Blacks coach Ian Foster speaks to the media. Credit: Getty
Hansen is expected to be at Stade de France to watch Australia’s upcoming clash with France and according to Foster might even come into the All Blacks camp once the tournament begins.
“In fact, we might bring him in for a couple of days,” Foster said. “I chuckle at the headlines. You guys must be pretty excited by it.
“I’m happy to keep talking about it, by the way, but I really don’t think there’s much in it.”
Although Hansen, who won 93 of 107 Tests while in charge of New Zealand from 2012 to 2019, isn’t being paid this week by Rugby Australia, All Blacks second-rower Scott Barrett suggested there might be some kind of incentive.
Eddie Jones (left) and Steve Hansen (right) shake hands before the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand.Credit: Getty
“There must be something in it for him … or he lost a bet,” Barrett told reporters.
Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi, who is in line to play No.12 this week with Samu Kerevi nursing a hand injury, said Hansen was a welcome addition.
“He is a great friend of Eddie’s and to see him in here and trying to help us … it’s great,” Foketi said. “[I’ve] Already seen him in the leaders’ meetings with the boys, and I think just having his presence around here and especially at training, it lifts the boys. I’m sure we’re gonna take away a great deal of what he has to say and do it this week.”
Jones has made it clear that Sunday’s Test is a warm-up fixture and the only game that matters is the tournament opener against Georgia on September 9.
France has named a near full-strength side, while Australia will name their team on Friday.
With four losses from as many Tests this year, Wallabies players are desperate to build some confidence.
“We’re slowly putting things in place at training and we want to see that on Sunday,” Foketi said. “We want to showcase that and give our fans and supporters back home something to cheer about and a bit of hope leading into that World Cup. It’s a big emphasis.
“We’re not just here to try new things. We’re going there to front up and to play Wallaby rugby.”
Watch all the action from Rugby World Cup 2023 on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Every match ad-free, live and on demand in 4K UHD from September 9.
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