Good signs for All Blacks: Hansen
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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has some tough selection choices ahead, but has been boosted by the knowledge he now has viable back-ups for key men Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Kieran Read.
The All Blacks got as much as they could have wanted out of their 3-0 series victory over Ireland.
Their forwards dominated and their backs shone in two Tests, and while a narrow win in the second showed their vulnerability, it also highlighted their composure under pressure.
The task will undoubtedly be tougher in the inaugural Rugby Championship against Australia, South Africa and Argentina, but Hansen says the team are in good shape.
“We know that Australia and South Africa will be what they always are: really tough opposition and hard to sneak a win out of,” he said.
“Playing Argentina in Argentina is one of the toughest gigs you can get in Test rugby.”
Probably the most pleasing aspects of the series were Aaron Cruden’s readiness to fill in for Carter, and the successful introduction of Sam Cane as a back-up and likely successor to McCaw.
Another debutant, Aaron Smith, quickly established himself as the first-choice halfback, although Cane and Smith will have be more thoroughly tested by Australia and South Africa.
Recalled players Ben Smith, Tamati Ellison and Liam Messam also performed well, with Hansen saying all three were helping make Rugby Championship selections tough in the loose forwards and outside backs.
“There’s a few conundrums and selection problems we’re going to face, but to be fair they’re positive ones because we’re going to have to leave someone out who’s playing really well rather than having to drag someone in that we’re not sure about.”
The Rugby Championship begins on August 18 when the All Blacks play Australia in Sydney.
© AAP 2013- Explore:
- All Blacks, Rugby Union, Steve Hansen
June 26th 2012 @ 8:33am
moaman said | June 26th 2012 @ 8:33am | Report comment
I have been surprised and then surprised again about Hansen & co.So now I am a little better prepared and wondering about the makeup of the team that will commence the RC.
Who of us would put money on picking the starting lineup correctly this far out? And here is a poser; Were Kaino fit and available,would we even be talking about RM moving to 6? Are we thinking about McCaw’s longevity or are we dubious about the replacement quality at 6? I reckon we should persevere with Vito + Messam in the medium term and rotate RM with Cane during the RC.Groom Read as captain and pave a smooth transition at both 7 and 10.
June 26th 2012 @ 8:46am
Team Taniwha said | June 26th 2012 @ 8:46am | Report comment
Hansen stated on the radio this morning that he is going to pick SBW for “The Championshio”. He knows SBW’s decision and sayes he understands it. So on that premise, yes I think he would have picked Kaino if he was fit.
I think Vito/Messam are the way to go. It will take soem time, Kaino took a few years to get performances in consistently. Shields game should have lifted with a few years super rugby under his belt by 2014.
June 26th 2012 @ 9:26am
moaman said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:26am | Report comment
I’m bloody annoyed about this Taniwha.The guy just played his best game for the ABs and then he ‘decides’ to leave? How much money does someone need? I’ll be gutted if he is going and he is still picked over Nonu.And if the rumour is true that he intends coming back in time for the RWC 2015…..that is scandalous! I’d show him the door and say thanks for coming.Grrrr!!!
June 26th 2012 @ 9:31am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:31am | Report comment
moaman one thing I should say is that I don’t think any player should be allowed to leave for two years and then come back ‘for the RWC’. It is not fair on those who stay, it is a base of an individual being bigger than the team, it can severely weaken the team in the player’s absence. The NZRU have a sabbatical system that allows its players a massive payday in Japan every so often. This should be enough. While Kaino rakes in the millions poor Gear and Messam stay to beg a few caps or bench spots. It’s not just SBW. Thorn should not have been allowed to return. Nor should Mcalister. Nor should Kaino. It undermines the team and is deeply unfair.
What’s peculiar if he is leaving is Hansen saying he ‘understands it’. What does that mean? In my mind there is only one good reason SBW could have for going to league and that is to make his peace with the sport that raised him. Any other reason is just bizarre.
June 26th 2012 @ 9:51am
moaman said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:51am | Report comment
KPM,yeah and the shroud of secrecy only makes this more irritating!
Chuck; Read skippered the Crusaders only until RM returned.Why not let Read carry on?
RM was great in the 3rd Test and ,handling errors aside,very good in the 2nd.My point really was the whole issue of McCaw taking someone else’s spot at 6 or 8 if he is deemed unsuited to play at 7.You are probably right and these guys are hopefully discussing a succession plan or whatever..meanwhile taking it on a game-by-game basis. Vito looks a better bet at 6 to me but I was impressed by Messam on Saturday and hope he gets further opportunities.At 6.He is probably competing with Thomo for a bench role atm.
As to your like”all great Captains of the past”…..not many get to step down mate! Some,like Shelford,are pushed.Others,like Smit (Fitzpatrick?) hobble on a bit long.
June 26th 2012 @ 4:59pm
defunkt said | June 26th 2012 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
I reckon it’s one of those ‘brand’ things where the real money is in endorsements and constantly moving keeps him in the headlines and his stocks high.
June 28th 2012 @ 12:12pm
nick said | June 28th 2012 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
Fair has nothing to do with it.
Best players in, whenever you can get them.
Its about winning, thats it.
June 26th 2012 @ 4:18pm
ohtani's jacket said | June 26th 2012 @ 4:18pm | Report comment
People seem to be pushing for McCaw to move to blindside because a) Michael Jones made the transition successfully, b) we don’t have a replacement blindside flanker yet and c) Sam Cane is young, quicker than McCaw and more of a fetcher. Plus, you can keep him on the field as captain even if he’s not at openside. McCaw was in the paper this morning saying he wants to remain at seven and I think he’ll get that wish in Sydney at least. Reshuffles won’t come unless we lose.
June 26th 2012 @ 9:16am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:16am | Report comment
TT you seem to know a lot about this. So that means SBW is definitely going then?
June 26th 2012 @ 10:56am
Team Taniwha said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:56am | Report comment
I am getting my info from journalists on twitter, namely Paul Cully, Sumo Stevenson and Jim Kayes. Think Hanson’s interview was on radio Live, not sure if they have a rachive facility. All just speculative and joining the dots at this stage.
June 26th 2012 @ 3:13pm
KiwiDave said | June 26th 2012 @ 3:13pm | Report comment
I heard he got offered a 1 season gig in Japan similar to what Nonu just did. The Roosters one has been floating around for ages and it would be a massive step backwards for him. What I speculate he is doing is holding out for the big bucks.
June 26th 2012 @ 9:32am
chuck said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:32am | Report comment
With McCaw and Read both playing for crusaders I would have thought the grooming him as captain had already been in motion
Messam I’m not too sure weather he can cope with pressure if this pack doesn’t go forward at present R.M is playing quality rugby I dont think we should be worried about pensioning him off longevity is not a offer you give your 100+ in every game and he will know when the curtain is pulled like all great captains in the past lets hope his career finishes on a high his leadership is outstanding replacement will take care of it self New Zealand have the cattle its just picking the right one
June 26th 2012 @ 9:43am
Gary Russell-Sharam said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:43am | Report comment
The rumors are quite strong that SBW will go to league next season. However even though it may leave a rather bitter taste in the mouth I, like Hansen would play him in the upcoming RC as apposed to Nonu. That’s if the ABs want to win????
Winning games is what coaching is all about and picking the best players in the right position is another of coaching’s requirements.
I like everyone else will be disappointed that SBW is going to the dark side and selling his soul to the devil but as in Hansen eyes if he wins the RC in his first year of coaching by himself no one will look or care at who he had in the side in years to come. it will just be the the ABs won the series under the coaching of Mr Hansen.
SBW is in excellent form and even I as one of his extreme doubters have had to admire his ability. After this season when he leaves I think there will be an opportunity for someone else to stand up to be counted. Nonu is a great player but I have my suspicion that he has reached his zenith and is leveling out. I think he will have a battle on his hands next season to get back into the team. I’m not saying that he will not get back he is still a tremendous player but Playing for the ABs is very competitive and you only have to be off your game by a tad and its good night charlie. Just ask Ellis.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:13am
moaman said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:13am | Report comment
I strongly disagree about picking players regardless,Gary.I believe you have to take a ‘Big Picture’ view and think about the team,game and culture and not just the immediate results.In this case Nonu would be straight back in and Williams would be out,for good,if I had any say (which I sadly don’t
).
June 26th 2012 @ 10:21am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:21am | Report comment
moaman I think the NZRU made a big mistake in allowing Brad Thorn and Luke Mcalister to go off for two years and then waltz back in.
The allowance to have a big payday in Japan is perfectly fair and reasonable, or even a season in France if necessary. But two years off is so unfair on those who choose to stay, ESPECIALLY those who stay on the limited chance of getting caps such as Gear and Messam.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:41am
Sam Taulelei said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:41am | Report comment
McAlister, yes I agree the NZRU broke their own rules in allowing Henry to select him in 2009 before he had even played a domestic game in NZ. His second departure left a very bitter taste in the mouth.
Thorn, your comment is off the mark. He returned to the Crusaders and his form was compelling during the Super comp that he forced the selectors hands who didn’t rate him in 2004 when they came on board which is why he returned to league.
His form during the 2008 season was so strong that the NZRU extended his initial 12 month contract. Thorn didn’t waltz into anything, he worked hard and earned his spot and respect among his peers and the public.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:44am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:44am | Report comment
Sam, just to clarify, so in 2004 he wasn’t rated by the selectors and left? How long did he wait before doing so? (remembering how long some players hang around).
Just out of interest.
I think in future the NZRU need to put a stop to this and Kaino and SBW are a good place to start, to show no one is above the All Blacks by treating big names equally. Both are mainfestly fundamental players for the All Blacks so they should not just be allowed to leave for two years, nor are they very old.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:48am
Sam Taulelei said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:48am | Report comment
He played a full Super season with the Crusaders in 2004 and then returned to Brisbane and the Broncos for the 2005 season.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:51am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:51am | Report comment
Sam it still seems a little uncommitted to simply leave after only one year in the team (2003) simply because you aren’t selected the next.
Many players have hung around for years despite non or sporadic selection.
June 26th 2012 @ 5:15pm
defunkt said | June 26th 2012 @ 5:15pm | Report comment
McAlister is a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks they can leave NZ, play in a less rigorous competition and then pick up where they left off. I think it polices itself.
June 26th 2012 @ 7:04pm
colvin said | June 26th 2012 @ 7:04pm | Report comment
KPM,
The word at the time was that Steve Hansen told Brad Thorn he wasn’t ready for the AB’s and that he wouldn’t be selected. So he returned to league.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:11pm
Ben S said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:11pm | Report comment
‘Sam it still seems a little uncommitted to simply leave after only one year in the team (2003) simply because you aren’t selected the next.
Many players have hung around for years despite non or sporadic selection.’
So you’ve forgotten/didn’t know about Brad Thorn turning down the opportunity to wear the black jersey? Always moralising…
June 26th 2012 @ 12:43pm
Jerry said | June 26th 2012 @ 12:43pm | Report comment
Thorn played the entire 4 year period leading up to 2011 – hardly waltzing back in.
June 26th 2012 @ 12:50pm
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
Jerry but he did seem to leave just because he couldn’t get into the ABs for one season.
June 26th 2012 @ 1:25pm
Red Kev said | June 26th 2012 @ 1:25pm | Report comment
This would be the Brad Thorn who told selectors that he himself didn’t think he was ready for the All Blacks when first selected. He turns them down one season and you think he chucks a hissy fit and leaves the code because he’s not selected in another season. My gosh you’re a deluded individual.
June 28th 2012 @ 12:17pm
nick said | June 28th 2012 @ 12:17pm | Report comment
This is the same Brad Thorn who became an immense figure in the All Black jersey following his return?
Anyone who suggests he shouldn’t have come back into the side clearly wasn’t watching, he was a must for that side and we’re missing him now.
How can that possibly have been a mistake?
Oh and as an aside, how to Luke McAlister go in the RWC? He wasn’t there? you don’t say, seems like this argument has a touch of the straw man.
June 26th 2012 @ 9:49am
jameswm said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:49am | Report comment
Bad signs for baby Blacks though.
Bugger, the game really doesn’t need this.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:10am
Jarmen said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:10am | Report comment
Bad signs as in the allegations?
If so it is the actions of one player the whole team should not be tarnished and only a ignoramous would dare do so.
Bad signs as in losing the JWC?
I’m not so sure its a bad sign about the talent coming through what I think is that is that it was bad management by the NZRU.
All players who were deemed eligible should have gone that includes Perenara, Cane, Tameifuna and a couple of others whos names elude me at present.
I do believe Savea may still also have been eligible for the U20s this year
June 26th 2012 @ 10:32am
Colin N said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:32am | Report comment
Savea’s 21. He played for the U20′s in 2010.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:02am
Jarmen said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:02am | Report comment
I am of the understanding that the U20s rule is those who are 20 or under at the beginning of the Calender year.
Could be wrong but still it does not detract from the point that the NZRU treated this tournament with a little complacency this year and have paid the price. It clearly was not the best team that we could have sent, Perenara wanted to go but was not allowed to by NZRU.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:10am
Team Taniwha said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:10am | Report comment
Retallick and Cane were eligible still as well.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:17am
jameswm said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:17am | Report comment
Bad signs as in the rape allgations. We don’t know what happened, but it’s a bloody bad look for the whole game, even though it’s only one player. Apparently the girl was so drunk her memory is dodgy, but if she WAS that drunk, well…
We just don’t need this, and NZ rugby doesn’t need it either.
June 26th 2012 @ 12:03pm
Jarmen said | June 26th 2012 @ 12:03pm | Report comment
No Charges have been laid, the player in question has not been detained nor has he even been taken to a police station. He gave a DNA specimen freely and is allowed to travel home.
Even if his DNA does match it does not mean he raped her she could have consented but being so drunk and the convinient of excuse of no memory it will be his word against hers.
And yes the girl was so drunk she doesn’t even remember the incident.
No one knows what went on behind the closed doors of that hotel room except it seems the JAB as the woman was so drunk.
This whilst a scandal does not affect the reputaion of the senior team or New Zeland and only complete imbeciles and juvenile punters looking to throw cheap shots would use it as anything as such.
If anything this woman to me comes across as a bit of a bogan drunk got so trashed felt embarrassed then cries rape, its not like we haven’t seen a women claim this before when it comes to sportsmen or any other men with status. I might be being just cynical but hey it will all come out.
June 26th 2012 @ 12:40pm
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
Jarmen in my opinion 99% of any allegations of anykind made against anyone famous are fabricated/attempts to cash in/jealousy.
June 26th 2012 @ 3:23pm
KiwiDave said | June 26th 2012 @ 3:23pm | Report comment
I smell an Andrew John’s type setup here
June 26th 2012 @ 1:10pm
Even paranoids have real enemies said | June 26th 2012 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
these allegations seem to happen much more often in South Africa than in other countries.
June 26th 2012 @ 1:23pm
Red Kev said | June 26th 2012 @ 1:23pm | Report comment
I don’t mean to make light of the situation because if true it is very serious but … perhaps she is Suzy the waitress’ daughter.
June 26th 2012 @ 8:40pm
Kane said | June 26th 2012 @ 8:40pm | Report comment
Can’t help but think that Cane would have preferred to stay behind and play for the All Blacks
June 26th 2012 @ 3:20pm
katzilla said | June 26th 2012 @ 3:20pm | Report comment
I heard it was the same Hotel that Peter Roebuck took his life in last year :O
June 26th 2012 @ 9:53am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 9:53am | Report comment
jameswm I think what would be even worse would be if SBW were allowed to leave for two years and then come back for the RWC.
It would make rugby look like a joke.
If he does go he should never be allowed back.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:46am
Sam Taulelei said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:46am | Report comment
You’re right it isn’t a good look for international rugby, while there are strict eligibility rules for representing your country so players can’t swap jerseys, there aren’t any restrictions for code swapping whether that is from NRL, AFL, football or basketball.
Looking at other professional codes, it appears rugby is not alone in this position either.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:49am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Sam I think league players often come over ‘to make the All Blacks’ or Wallabies or England and that done, think it’s a nice feather in the cap and swan off again. They don’t seem to understand that it is a duty and the team may depend on them, that it’s a career and not a second choice or cherry on their sporting cake. This attitude should be beaten out of them.
June 26th 2012 @ 10:55am
Sam Taulelei said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Can’t tar Thorn with this broad paintbrush though KPM. In 2001 he was selected for the All Blacks end of year tour but showed great respect and honour for turning it down as he didn’t feel he had earned it and was a good enough rugby player to wear the jersey.
This was the first time in NZ rugby history that a player rejected his place in the All Blacks. Thorn grew up in NZ and understood the place of the All Blacks in Kiwi’s hearts, that’s why even after all the success in NRL he still harboured a desire to play for the All Blacks and had the courage to turn his back on a game at the peak of his career and start all over again.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:01am
kingplaymaker said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:01am | Report comment
Sam here I’m not thinking of Thorn so much actually but more SBW, Tahu.
However, as I mention above Thorn’s move back to league did seem fast if it’s just because he wasn’t selected for one season (2004).
June 26th 2012 @ 4:20pm
Cantab said | June 26th 2012 @ 4:20pm | Report comment
Kpm, I was always under the impression that his move back to Brisbane for 2004 was due to family reasons (his wife’s family). But I could be wrong.
June 26th 2012 @ 5:02pm
KiwiDave said | June 26th 2012 @ 5:02pm | Report comment
If the All Blacks did that it would severely devalue the All Black jumper. No one player should ever been seen as bigger than the All Blacks. I want players that have made a commitment 3-4 years out to the sport in the All Black squad. Not some glory hunting free agent who thinks he is bigger than the game and can just walk up and join the squad whenever he feels like it.
June 28th 2012 @ 12:25pm
nick said | June 28th 2012 @ 12:25pm | Report comment
The list of things that “devalue the jumper” grows even year.
You want players who’ve “made a commitment 3-4 years out to the sport” Thats SBW for one thing but also thats not really what you want is it?
You wouldn’t be happy with a starting 15 that included Luke Braid, Chris King, Jeremy Thrush, Hadleigh Parks and Tom Taylor would you? No, you’d want an All Black team that was the best we could put together from players playing in NZ at the time.
Unless of course, you’re sick of watching the AB’s win?
June 26th 2012 @ 10:42am
Tui said | June 26th 2012 @ 10:42am | Report comment
I also am hearing that they are lining SBW up to play for NSW. How utterly ridiculous would it be to see him in a Kangaroos Jersey next year
June 26th 2012 @ 3:41pm
Samvandamn said | June 26th 2012 @ 3:41pm | Report comment
Thats not possible as he has represented the Kiwis.
June 26th 2012 @ 3:53pm
Jerry said | June 26th 2012 @ 3:53pm | Report comment
League allows chopping and changing – look at Tonie Carrol.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:09pm
Sylvester said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:09pm | Report comment
He could play for Aussie because he hasn’t played for the Kiwis for more than two years.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:27am
chuck said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:27am | Report comment
What bad about losing JW CUP its played every year for god sake give credit to these kids that were selected and played this about
giving these young blokes exposure too international games and for higher honours look over the years those who pushed on we no how good the blokes who were not selected its about the big picture in new Zealand rugby.
SBW dont be fooled about the New Zealand Rugby Union management they are ruthless when it comes too protecting all black protocol they have given a contract its back in his court what direction he takes if he leaves the door will close behind him and if he comes back later the numeration will not be there like what he getting at present if he stay that will excel no doubt in the rugby world media will be all over him.New Zealand C.E.O Bee Gee will not let the all blacks be used as a auction tool I would say they no the answer already and if you think they wont slam the door look at Carl Haymen & Nick Evans Lets hope he stays thats the out come we all want.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:27am
Tumble Hill said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:27am | Report comment
While I dont agree with what SBW is doing, I do believe that if NZ wants to keep its best players for the future then Sabaticals are very important. SBW is only the start, there will be bigger and better rugby players to come out of NZ in the years to come. The guy is a superstar, Think about the offers Jonah Lomu would be getting now if he was in his prime. This unfortunatly is the future of our best players in my opinion.
June 26th 2012 @ 11:41am
Pierce said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:41am | Report comment
I heard that SBW is taking the massive payday in Japan but is staying with the AB’s. However, he has it written into his contract that he is able to have 43 boxing bouts each year, compete in the Greco-Roman wrestling at the Olympics, not marry Matthew Ridge’s daughter, climb Mt Everest and land on the moon. (All yet to be confirmed)
June 26th 2012 @ 11:49am
Red Kev said | June 26th 2012 @ 11:49am | Report comment
I heard that SBW was coming back to League specifically so he’d be eligible for next year’s “Rexona’s Australia’s Greatest Athlete” show where he could take the title from Quade Cooper.
June 26th 2012 @ 5:16pm
RebelRanger said | June 26th 2012 @ 5:16pm | Report comment
Lucky Slater wasn’t on he would have won it again..