The World Cup knockout phase is the only time you know you’re facing teams giving 100 per cent in Test rugby, says All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
The four-yearly tournament has become such a central plank in the calendar that most teams spend much of the intervening years working on development, says Hansen, who doesn’t get such luxury with his side.
He says the pressure to win is always high for the world champions, which is why he finds the World Cup a pleasure to attend – because all cards are laid on the table.
“You know everyone you’re playing is up for it, whereas sometimes I wonder between World Cups how other nations are driving their bus,” Hansen said.
“Whether they’re mucking around or whether they’re really serious about what they’re doing at that time.
“For us, the pressure at a World Cup is no greater than it normally is. It’s just a bigger box of chocolates at the end of it.”
The tournament kicking off in England in just over two weeks will be Hansen’s fourth World Cup, having coached Wales to the quarter-finals in 2003 before New Zealand assistant roles under Graham Henry in 2007 (quarter-finals) and 2011 (champions).
He says the only series with comparable stature to the World Cup is a Lions tour, which New Zealand host once every 12 years.
Meanwhile, Hansen pronounced himself happy with the attitude of his players and progress made during a three-day camp in Wellington following Sunday’s squad announcement.
He says the anxiety that seemed to accompany the five weeks leading up to the selection has cleared and the players were focusing clearly on their opening game against Argentina on September 20.
The squad will fly out on Thursday next week but before that Hansen will meet the 12 wider squad members who missed selection to explain why.
He will also remind them of the need to stay fit in case of injuries to the squad.
“It’s important we can get them back playing really good rugby in the ITM Cup and that they can get over their disappointment.”
Hansen says none of the players will be flown specifically to the United Kingdom to be on standby as that is against tournament rules.
Common Sense
Guest
That's a bit rich from a team that only turns up to a game once every 4 years.
whydoncha
Guest
If there's an equivalent of a larriken in nz culture Hansen nails it. I love his antics and his quips delivered with a straight face.
Jerry
Guest
"Classic All Blacks" v Toulon 'in memory' of Jerry Collins. Haven't actually heard whether it'll be raising any funds for his daughter, but you'd hope so.
Council
Guest
Dunno all the details. There was talk of it on Radiosport yesterday. I would guess Lima and Charlie would be there, along with Nepo and maybe a Lock.
the french
Roar Rookie
In some ways Hansen is right about the RWC. Lots of teams concentrate on it and that swhy McCaw and Carter have been rested for the last 4 years and they re getting SBW back in.
Old Bugger
Guest
Hansen has always been cheeky and I reckon, he just likes the banter. If anyone were to take his comments seriously and react, then I reckon thats the day, when he's got you.
Common Sense
Guest
Other teams devalue rugby by being rubbish.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah...I'll say. No way Ali will be back
Mad Mick
Guest
I believe Cheika has plans for a number of players to be in the UK and training or playing with clubs and I bet they aren't too far from the Wallaby training venue. Regarding Naiyaravoro he is off to Glasgow and more likely once there to be interested in playing for Fiji in the future. So by selecting him for Australia Cheika is keeping his options open for the future and preventing Naiyaravoro from ever representing the country of his birth. Cheika should be using this test to trail various combination for the WC. He doesn't need to bring in more players at this time. he can only use 21 players for this match and he has 31 at his disposal.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
bit of a worry if the future of Australian rugby involves an overweight plodder on the wing... Cheika is sending a really bad message to Wallaby hopefuls with his pre-determined selection policies that don't reward hard work and SuperXV form...
Old Bugger
Guest
Yep - he's in training for the next bumper supply - a cup full of chocolates.
Ads
Guest
The team to play USA on Sunday morning (AEST) 1. James Slipper (c), 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 3. Greg Holmes, 4. Kane Douglas, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Ben McCalman , 7. Sean McMahon, 8. Wycliff Palu, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Rob Horne, 12. Matt Giteau, 13. Henry Speight, 14. Joe Tomane, 15. Kurtley Beale 16. James Hanson, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Toby Smith, 19. Dean Mumm, 20. Sam Carter, 21. Quade Cooper, 22. Will Genia, 23. Taqele Naiyaravoro
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
Mick how would Australia be breaking any rules at this point. This is a pre World Cup match so presumably they can select any eligible player and have any player in camp. If he selects Naiyaravoro for this match then I assume he sees a future for him in the Wallabies. You say he is going to select him simply to prevent him being available to Fiji. Why would he be bothered?
Mad Mick
Guest
ClarkeG Check this out from Cheika. "Wing Taqele Naiyaravoro, lock Sam Carter and hooker James Hanson have been called up to the Wallabies squad for Saturday's Test against the USA in Chicago. Hanson and Carter will link with the squad in Indiana following solid performances during the opening rounds of the Australia's National Rugby Championship, while Naiyaravoro arrived at the team's camp at Notre Dame University from London on Monday after playing in the Barbarians' 27-24 win over Samoa. All three players were involved in last week’s camp in Sydney as part of the wider Wallabies training squad and will continue to play a role in the team's preparation for the USA match. “There is a specific role for these players heading over here to the US, which will assist our preparations for this Saturday's match and the Rugby World Cup,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. “It’s crucial we continue to improve as a collective and having Taqele, Sam and James here in the US allows them to stay connected to the group, and will help us throughout our preparation and training." Naiyaravoro and Hanson have been involved with the Wallabies squad since the opening training camp on the Sunshine Coast in July, while Brumbies lock Carter has impressed in his return from a serious knee injury. “We’ve been watching Taqele with great interest throughout The Rugby Championship and during his World XV and Barbarians matches,” added Cheika. “Sam has been very impressive at training since returning from injury and a standout during his NRC matches in recent weeks. Both he and James are arriving late to this camp as we wanted both players to fulfil their commitments to their respective NRC clubs on the weekend." The historic Test against the USA Eagles will be Australia's first in the USA in almost 40 years and just the fourth match the Wallabies have played on US soil." Why does he need to call up another 3 players. He’s already picked his side so now he brings in another 3. What for ? one reason is to cap that Fijian to stop Fiji getting him. The IRB or WR as it is now (what a bad name change that was) should jump on this immediately. He is going have another team over there training and ready to go.According to Hansen that is against the rules.
ken
Guest
Yeah " driving buses and eating chcolates" what is he on about??
ken
Guest
Bubba Hansen has already eaten The biggest box of choclates....
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
That is a good question. Is he right or wrong in regard to the standby players. But why would Williams be called up before Thrush.
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
What match and which players?
ScrumJunkie
Guest
For us the presuure is the same. As if.
Council
Guest
Five players are going to be flown to Europe for a match against Toulon though. Crafty fellow that Shag.