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Steve Hansen says New Zealand Rugby owes Australia nothing as Super Rugby debate heats up

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has called for New Zealand Rugby to stand strong and not crumble under Australia’s pressure when it comes to deciding the format for Super Rugby from next year onwards.

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In an interview with Stuff, Hansen said New Zealand owed Australia nothing in a week where tensions have escalated between the two nations following the revelations of findings from the Aratipu review into the future of Super Rugby.

The review has been undertaken to find ways to improve and re-shape the competition in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with one suggestion being an increase in Kiwi teams and a reduction of Australian sides in a trans-Tasman tournament.

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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in ation for Blues U18

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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in ation for Blues U18

Those notions have not been well-received by Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan, who likened his organisation’s relationship with NZR to a “master-servant” dynamic in response to news that a number of Australian sides could be dropped.

Hansen, however, believed New Zealand owed nothing to RA, who he said have often “gone missing” in times of need when called upon by NZR.

“Without being controversial, we have been looking after the Aussies for years,’’ the two-time World Cup-winning coach told Stuff.

“And every time we have required something from them, particularly at a high level, sometimes they have gone missing.

“Do we owe them something? No. But because we are the nation we are, and we care about the game more than just ourselves, we bend and buckle a bit.

“I think NZ Rugby are in the mood for having strong discussions … because they only get one shot at it.’’

While findings from the review indicate a preference on New Zealand’s part to have fewer Australian teams involved, Hansen stressed that it was important not to dilute the All Blacks’ talent pool by adding more Kiwi sides.

“You don’t want to be diluting the talent pool. And then you have to ask ‘do we want our athletes travelling all around the world as much as they have been?’

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“If the answer is ‘no’, you look internally into New Zealand or maybe Australia (for a competition structure) because it’s not far away.’’

Other alternatives such as the inclusion of Japanese and/or Pacific teams have also been discussed, with the unveiling of the proposed Major League Rugby franchise Kanaloa Hawaii the most recent side to indicate its interest in joining the league.

“The sky is the limit now. We’ve done the impossible,” Kanaloa Hawaii chief executive Tracey Atiga told New Zealand show Tagata Pasifika.

“We went through a COVID period of four months and put together an application that was strong and that was approved by the MLR.

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“We’re in conversations with NZ Rugby at the moment. We’d love to have a spot in Super next year and we’re ready for it. We’ve proven that we’re ready.”

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R
RedWarrior 34 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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