Steve Hansen has claimed there’s a key area where the Wallabies lag behind the All Blacks after his visit inside Eddie Jones’ camp last week – and explained why he thinks Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific teams should take some blame.
The World Cup-winning coach had a short and surprising stint with the Wallabies that caused consternation across the ditch. Hansen, speaking on The Breakdown, explained his reasoning and said he went with All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s prior knowledge and blessing.
“They’re a nice group of young men. Any team environment has the same sort of feel but has its own identity too,” said Hansen.
England coach Eddie Jones (left) and New Zealand coach Steve Hansen on the pitch after the 2019 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match at International Stadium Yokohama. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
“They don’t want to be like the All Blacks, they want to be like the Wallabies. They’re young , they’re very excited about this World Cup.
“They know they’ve got an opportunity because of the side of the draw they’re on and they just working away really hard as you’d imagine under Eddie on the training park to get ready to play.
“It’s just another sporting team that has characters, has a bit of banter and has serious moments. It’s really interesting to see the subtle differences between the two countries too.”
One difference was in the team’s leadership. While the All Blacks boast veteran leaders such as Sam Cane, Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith and the Barretts, the Wallabies have a rookie captain in Will Skelton being backed up by young scrum half Tate McDermott.
Ian Foster and Steve Hansen. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
“Talking about their leadership group, one thing I can tell you is they’re not in the same place as the All Blacks are with their leadership group. That’s an area that they’re working hard at trying to catch up,” said Hansen before having a sly dig at the Aussie Super Rugby franchises.
“There clearly hadn’t been any development being done in the Super Rugby teams, or not enough of it. So there’s a big difference there. And some of the conversations we’ve had is how we can help them be better at that.”
Hansen said Jones’ approach was the third time he tried to get him involved since the Australian’s return to the Wallabies.
“Eddie asked me quite some time ago, twice in fact, if I would join his coaching group, and the first time was through the whole season, and I said I couldn’t coach against the All Blacks,” said Hansen.
“When he came back that third time I knew he was reasonably in need of a friend and he is a great mate and he’s asked me to come over and have a look at what they’re doing and pass on anything I can see that would help them improve.
“I had a yarn to Foz about that and once Foz was okay with it, I was okay with it. Rugby is a game that creates friendships all over the world. It’s a game that creates conversations all over the world and Eddie and I have known each other since 1998.
“I felt like he needed a hand. Someone just to basically back up what he was doing. And that’s what I’ve done. I just had conversations with him and coaches – haven’t put on any Wallabies gear.
“I found out a lot of information that I’ll take away with myself. And funnily enough I’ve been lucky enough to sit here all week and watch them prepare for an opponent and you’d be mad if you think I’m not going to pass that onto Foz.”
Barry Smyth
Roar Rookie
FFS so much negativity here, give yourselves an uppercut and get behind the 33 lads representing us at the RWC!
Sofa Coach
Roar Rookie
Totally agree Kai. No doubt both Aussie and Kiwi set ups have taken precisely that approach. If swapping some ideas facilitates them meeting each other in the finals, then that's the result they're after and they'll cop a bit of dancing with the devil to get there.
Bearswanatah
Roar Rookie
Possibly… or don’t open-up, and the Winter North will freeze us where we stand… maybe not now, but give it time. Ok so maybe not a draft… but something has to be done to the super rugby… perhaps marquee players? Maybe make everyone cover themselves in baby oil? Wear top hats?
Paulo
Roar Rookie
So, I know English isn’t your first language, and I don’t speak Spanish, but we’ll get through this. I don’t know what NZR know about Argentina or their players. I do know Covid meant no one could travel to NZ or Aus. I know most Argentine players went to play in Europe because they need to get paid. I know NZR didn’t create Covid. I know NZR didn’t stop a professional club competition being formed in Argentina to better support their pathways. Be angry, I don’t care, but be accurate and realistic about the situation.
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
So for you NZRU not Take the final decitions. Sure Fijians must have the final Word , perhaps Samoa
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
So NZru Know more about argie players here and abroad than we . So for you Covid destroy Argentina, UAR, Jaguares, etc. Ohhh thats why Pumas beat twice the ABs after that. For Sure NZRU want the Jaguares in , I remember several statements (irony on)
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
I'm really surprised about the negativity to Foster. He loses just a few tests over 4 years. I'd kill for that record.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
How is losing every match, discarding better players for worse and inexperienced players and carrying on in press conferences being the joke of other sports and countries promoting the game?
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Yeah its just pure bad luck that we have squad filled with players with less then 10 test caps instead of a heap of guys with 30+ caps. They all just disappeared into thin air.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
How can a draft between two different countrys work? Drafts have been proved illegal already in Aus by the NRL player from Manly. Terry Hill. Its more crucial now to only ever select from NZ for the ABs. Open that up and NZ becomes a rugby wasteland.
Bearswanatah
Roar Rookie
Hi Jacko, I speak for all Kiwi supporters - didn't you know? I work with a former NZ test cricketer, a former AB (I won't name them)... they are saying this all the time, and we are in complete agreement - but they are opinions only, so don't feel I'm speaking for your compatriots or yourself. Appreciate life is more complicated than black and white, yin and yan... Let's talk about a draft... why are you opposed? The good ole days are behind the ABs - I think the sporting markets are evolved to the point that the ABs will lose their edge... insulate and perish I think... thoughts?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
why did they have to go so public on this Seriousely? Dont you get why openness and honesty was the best thing to do? Not the usual SA way I suppose.
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
Or … you could live in fantasy land thinking all is A-ok and continuing on business as usual because you’re too proud to look outside the box and face up to a painful reality.
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
I tell you what …. If the WBs meet the ABs in this RWC then it would be worth it. Hmmm a little bit of intel vs RWC final … I know which one I’d take!
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Give your own opinion by all means Bear but please dont speak for me. Im a rusted on Kiwi and I absolutely love SR, I am opposed to a draft. Dont speak on my behalf as your version of my thoughts is BS.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Are you suggesting the NZR created Covid and implemented a global lock down preventing international travel while also orchestrating a global financial model that resulted in an over reliance on European clubs to support South American players due to no local elite club competition, thereby ensuring that when travel was reinstated there were no players left to be available for the reformation of the Jaguares… diabolically clever that is… …and all the time we sit wondering how Mark Robinson manages to dress himself in the morning, when he is really the greatest super villain of all time… Emperor Palpatine ain’t got nothing on this guy :laughing:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
The way you just handed our arses to us, I’m not surprised it’s your dream final :happy: My dream final is NZ and Fiji. If we win great, if not and Fiji stole all the cookies… just imagine the party! :stoked:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
:laughing: I think we need to take some of those ‘conversation’ tools to some of the kiwi muppets we have over here too. We all have ‘em :silly:
Sofa Coach
Roar Rookie
“I found out a lot of information that I’ll take away with myself. And funnily enough I’ve been lucky enough to sit here all week and watch them prepare for an opponent and you’d be mad if you think I’m not going to pass that onto Foz.” There it is right there. My enemy’s enemy is my friend. The only real reason that Steve turned up. As the world just saw, Eddie’s not the only one in some strife; Foz needs all the help he can get too. The All Blacks have far bigger challenges to overcome before Foz has to worry about besting the Wallabies. It will be a welcome problem for both sides if they get deep enough into the tournament to worry about each other…
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yeah I know. Either it's 100% pure bulls#!+ or he's a bloody genius. I am sure the talk/emails from head office are mounting. It's hardly a good value on investment so far!