Veteran All Blacks hooker Dane Coles stated he was “gobsmacked” to listen to former New Zealand coach Steve Hansen helps rivals Australia put together for the Rugby World Cup.
Hansen has agreed to help Australia head coach Eddie Jones, a long-time pal, this week as an unpaid adviser whereas the Wallabies put together to face France on Sunday in a World Cup warm-up performed in Paris.
Coles, who has performed 86 Tests for New Zealand, was shocked to listen to his ex-All Blacks boss is presently within the Wallabies camp.
“Yeah? Shag what are you up to,” the visibly shocked Coles stated, utilizing Hansen’s nickname.
“That hurts a little bit, to be fair,” he added.
“I’m actually gobsmacked. 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.” New Zealand reporters broke the news to Coles following a coaching session in London, the place the All Blacks are making ready for their very own World Cup warm-up in opposition to reigning world champions South Africa.
Hansen coached New Zealand to their 2015 World Cup triumph, wherein Coles began within the closing in opposition to Australia.
“He’s a great man. He’s obviously not in our environment at the moment. I suppose he can help out Eddie,” Coles added.
“Hopefully, he doesn’t tell Eddie all our secrets. I think he’ll be respectful, that’s the main thing.” Loose ahead Ardie Savea was extra circumspect, saying: “Everyone’s got to do what they have got to do. Good on him.” In a cellphone interview with New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB from Paris, Hansen defined that he’s observing the Wallabies this week as a favour to Jones.
Hansen, 64, stated he would “just like to put everybody’s mind at rest that I haven’t joined the Wallabies for the Rugby World Cup.”
“I’m only here for about three or four days at the request of Eddie, a good mate of mine, just to give him some feedback on what he is doing. Rugby is bigger than all of us, so happy to do that,” he added.
Hansen made it clear that he’s helping on a voluntary foundation.
“If you are working for someone, you are getting paid. I’m not working for anyone, I’m just here as a friend,” he added.
The All Blacks and Wallabies have been drawn in several World Cup swimming pools however may meet within the knockout levels.
New Zealand play hosts France within the opening match on September 8 — the 2 heavyweights drawn in Pool A alongside Italy, Namibia and Uruguay.
Australia play Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal in Pool C.
Source: www.news.com.au
