VIDEO: Coaching upheaval - no controversy, just 'excitement' for All Blacks
Scott Leon Richard Hansen painted a picture of calm confidence, despite the media briefing coming just a week after the major coaching upheaval that rocked New Zealand.
Hansen, a longtime confidant of All Black head coach Scott Robertson, last week switched from defence to attack in the wake of Leon Macdonald’s controversial walk-out on the team.
Tamati Ellison took on an expanded defence role.
Attack coach MacDonald quit last week, on the eve of the team’s departure to South Africa, with Robertson citing ‘cultural differences’ for his sudden departure.
Hansen, who served his coaching apprenticeship under Robertson at Canterbury and rejoined him at the Crusaders in 2022, has taken over most of MacDonald’s duties ahead of the two-Test Rugby Championship trip to South Africa.
Speaking ahead of the tour opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, he was adamant the players are ‘excited’ about the challenge and had not been affected by the upheaval.
The word “excitement” came up several times in his exchanges with the media, as the All Blacks stepped up their preparations for the Highveld face-off.
“We’ve adjusted,” Hansen told a media scrum, adding: “We’re working on it.
“It’s been a good day.
“The boys have been good and the key drivers [senior players] have been driving it, so they’ve been supportive of what we’re doing,” Hansen said at the All Blacks’ training in Johannesburg.
He insisted he did not have to adjust his approach, despite his added responsibilities.
(WATCH as All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen speaks about taking over the attack portfolio in the wake of Leon Macdonald’s controversial departure last week….)
“Not at all,” was his curt reply.
“It’s about me continuing what we’re doing well and also giving space for our leaders to do what they do which is lead our attack and see the pictures that they see.
“So for us, it’s a continuation.”
Asked about the key message ahead of the Ellis Park facer-off, his answer was to the point: “Excitement.
“It’s an opportunity to play at Ellis Park.
“There will be space, just find it.”
The new attack guru said they also know the altitude of Ellis Park will assist the All Blacks’ kicking game.
South Africa’s newfound attacking game also excites the Kiwis.
“We are looking forward to Saturday.”
@king365ed
@rugby365com
