Hansen: Coaches should last the WC

 

The New Zealand Rugby Union took the unprecedented step of extending the All Blacks head coach's contract past next year's World Cup.

 

Hansen believes it should become the norm regardless of whether he continues on past the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.

 

"I do have an opinion that the coaching of the All Blacks should fit two years before and two years after [the World Cup]," he said after being given a glowing endorsement from NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew.

 

"Whilst it is a massive tournament and something we all want to win, the All Blacks are expected to win all the time and every Test is important.

 

"If we can make it easier for that group, not just the head coach but everyone who comes with the head coach, then maybe it might be the recipe to winning more of them."

 

It's a controversial view that has not been endorsed by New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew or chairman Brent Impey, who Hansen suggested 'might give me a slap' for expressing the opinion publicly.

 

Up until now, the All Blacks coach's post World Cup future has hinged on an extensive review process.

 

John Mitchell was dumped in 2003 after losing to the Wallabies in the semifinal in Sydney, John Hart resigned four years earlier after falling to France in the semifinal in London.

 

Laurie Mains retired from coaching at international level when the All Blacks lost in extra-time to South Africa in Johannesburg in 1995, while Alex Wyllie stood down when the Wallabies beat his side in the semifinal in Dublin in 1991.

 

Brian Lochore may well have had a chance of reappointment after guiding New Zealand to the inaugural World Cup title in 1987 but retired following the tournament.

 

The thinking changed after the disastrous 2007 quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff when Graham Henry was eventually reappointed and went on to win the World Cup on home soil in 2011.

 

Some will argue the All Blacks coach should still be judged on their World Cup results but Tew said Hansen's record of 38 wins, two draws, and two losses since he took over as head coach in 2012 meant he deserved the union's faith.

 

"His credentials speak for themselves… he is by anybody's measure, the best coach in the world," Tew said.

 

"I can't see anything in the next 12 months changing that."

 

It took the board little time to decide to offer an extension after the matter was officially raised in October.

 

The 55-year-old described coaching the All Blacks as 'the best job in the world' and did not rule out pushing on to a third World Cup in 2019.