Hansen wary of the Ledesma factor
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen is very cautious of the rejuvenated Argentina team especially under the guidance of new coach Mario Ledesma.
The former Los Pumas hooker Ledesma was named the coach of the national team last month after an impressive brief stint with Super Rugby franchise the Jaguares.
Despite being in charge for just two games, Ledesma’s presence has already benefited the national team.
Argentina opened their Rugby Championship campaign with a narrow defeat to the Springboks, however, they quickly bounce back with an impressive 32-19 victory in the revere fixture at home.
The coach has achieved continuity between the Super Rugby and the Championship by bringing through the players that had been involved in the side’s improved Super Rugby showing, which Steve Hansen labelled as a very impressive factor.
“I think [Mario Ledesma’s] time with Australia will have broadened how he thinks about the game,” coach Hansen told reporters.
“It’s no different to any of us if we get outside our comfort zone of our own national way of playing and you grow and develop and he’s done that and taken it back to Argentina and got pretty good results so far,”
MONDAY MEMORIES 📸 Ahead of the #AllBlacks v Argentina clash in Nelson this Saturday we take you back to 2006 when the two sides met in Buenos Aires with the All Blacks winning 25 – 19.
Tickets are still available to this weekends match ➡️ https://t.co/62ePOZvQAx#NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/2ECQchNl1J
ADVERTISEMENT— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 2, 2018
Both centre Ryan Crotty and flank Sam Cane were tracking well from injury issues suffered in the Tests against Australia and a decision would be made about them during the week. They were both symptom-free.
Sonny Bill Williams was to train with the side for the week and if he did well he would come into consideration for the Test against South Africa next week. It would be a case of going through contact work to make sure his shoulder was all right.
While there would be more strength added to the midfield with Williams’ return it was a case of picking the right players for how the selectors wanted to play. It was the same across the side where there was strength in all positions. The beauty of that, Hansen said, was when injuries did occur they didn’t have to rush players back.
Having the chance to play a Test in Nelson was exciting. The All Blacks had never played a Test in the area.
“It’s the home of the oldest rugby club in New Zealand and it’s got a rich history and it’s nice to be supporting the community,” Hansen said.
Source: @Allblacks
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