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Sir Steve Hansen's verdict on Scott Robertson's All Blacks
By Ned Lester
With the All Blacks‘ season all wrapped up, the final analysis and verdicts are being delivered and Rugby World Cup-winning head coach Sir Steve Hansen is the latest to offer his two cents.
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Recognised as one of the game’s best minds, Hansen is currently head coach of Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s Rugby League One alongside fellow former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.
Hansen’s infamously blunt attitude made for a typically measured analysis of New Zealand’s 2024 campaign.
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“Well, I wouldn’t say we’ve made great strides, but I think we’re still going as well as we were,” he told DSPN when asked about the progress of the forward pack in particular.
“This is a team that should have won the World Cup, and they were robbed of the World Cup as far as I’m concerned with some poor decisions by things that were out of their control that cost them a World Cup. So they’re a very, very competitive side.
“They’ve got some very good rugby players; the front row, the props stocks they have got at the moment, I’d have died to have them in 2019. They’re good young men and playing really well. And there’s a couple of new boys that have arrived on the scene and they look really good, promising players. So there’s plenty of depth in that team.”
The talent stocks in New Zealand are always undeniably high, but there are some players that lay just out of reach of All Blacks selection eligibility.
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While Robertson has urged New Zealand Rugby to keep an open mind on selection policy for players based overseas, as it stands only players plying their trade in Super Rugby Pacific can be chosen to play in the black jersey.
“It’s something you think about a lot because it’s obvious they want Richie Mo’unga back. Are we doing it because they want Richie back or are we doing it because we think it’s right? That’s the question you have to answer.
“I think it’s really dangerous if we say that South Africa is the model we should copy because it’s worked for them.
“South Africa are in a totally different situation to us. They can’t afford to keep their players, so what they’re doing works for them.
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“We can’t afford to actually ruin our competition, so we have to be really smart about doing it if we’re doing it.
“What happens to the people back here? Do they all decide they want to go? If you’re a first five at the moment and you were hearing they want Richie back, do you go, ‘well I’m out of here’?
“That’s the challenge they’ve got and they need to sort it out as quickly as possible. As we know, there’s a few other things that have got to be sorted out first.”
The focus then shifted to the necessary improvements Hansen sees for the All Blacks moving forward, which he said lay at the feet of the men in charge.
“I think it starts with the people running it. I think they’ve worked out that this job wasn’t as easy as they thought it was going to be, and they’ve had some good lessons, and they’ve openly said that, which is great, because they’re acknowledging that they have to learn, and as they learn, the team will learn.”
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Big kudos to New Zealand for putting up the Eden Park challenge. Immediately took the stakes up and, for both teams, made this one for the ages. You can be sure the boks will be up to make history. And of course our All Black brothers will stand up and be counted.
Can’t wait to see Kamate again against the Boks at Eden park!
Well done.
Happy Hanukkah.
I’d give the All Blacks a C+.
It’s a pass of a season, lots to be positive about.
That loss to Argentina really hurt.
And seeing Jordie light it up for Irish team he just joined.
Maybe using him in a way that makes use of his skill set is a better idea than this crash n bash sideways then kick bollocks they’ve been persisting with.
I know it’s just Steve Hansens opinion, but it always sux when people blame a loss on the things they can’t control ie referees. Harden up dude. That’s the game.
Agreed needs to be post game feedback but current WR handling of poor referee decisions are just not cutting it.
I saw the Kolisi and AWJ situation a bit different. There were only a few big decisions that he was injecting himself into the conversation with the ref and each time AWJ made sure he was doing the same to ensure he got a say. Again a lot of the calls in that game were wrongfully made and ignored consistency so it's a bit of a double edged sword, leave the wrong calls to get more favourable calls. And imo It's more often than not the profile of the captain that plays a role in how they are treated by refs, the fact that AWJ was a so well known, a future HOF and on his last B&I tour would have played a big part in his treatment
I agree with the ref being held accountable, after the game , but through the usual right process and avenues. Not in the way it was handled by Rassie here. Yes, they should face suspension and ramifications, after proper due process. Not a witch hunt.
The reason Kolisi was rebuffed on many occasion is because unlike awj he was persistent and questioning every decision that Berry made. When that happens and you are basically annoying a ref, you tend to get abit of push back. It’s only natural, you see it all the time. Different manner and attitude by Kolisi and less persistence would have seen him dealt with more like awj. Who if you watch has a calm demeanour so generally and annoyingly gets more time to discuss on occasion.
Not standing by the video just stating all outcome s pretty much suited SA. So wrong way to go about it but it worked.
Disagree about the ref being above it all. They should be held accountable if not by WR then their peers and stakeholders for their performance same as any job, the how is the important part. A video critique is not the way.
Respect is a two way street. To say that kolisi should accept his treatment and get on with it when he does not get the same treatment and respect as other captains, goes against Rugby's values of respect and multiculturalism. You cannot in good conscience say after watching that B&I lions game that AWJ and Kolisi were treated with equal respect by Berry and the refs, being shoed away, discounting his genuine questions and at times not even looking at him when talking to him. how is that okay?
Please do give him a shout, but keyboard warriors are all huff and puff usually. Steroids 😂 you are an immature lass, but funny though.
I care less what you think of Rassie, I just want you to be brave enough to say it to his face. I have no problem to tell Berry he is a plonker. And he cried like a baby, because his ineptness was highlighted, not because he felt his reputation was tarnished. There wasn’t one to start with.
Holy moly... when will the whinging from NZ stop about the RWC?!?! They had their opportunities to win it, but didn't...
Starting to lose respect.
"NZ"?
So you think Steve Hansen speaks for the whole of NZ ?
What is it with coaches (looking at you Razor) not placing the expectation upon themselves to improve players/stock. Hansen should have known for years that his scrummaging focused props weren't the right fit for a team lacking go forward at the peak of International rugby.
Razor simply wants to open the gates so that he has 50+ eligible All Black options to select from and pays no thought of recognition to his team, Jason Ryan in particular, for doubling the forward stocks and adding set piece strength to the more mobile front row options that were available in NZ. Opportunities might have come and gone before Hansens realization but he could put effort into making Unia Atonio an AB powerhouse, or a player like Taniela Tupou, both stars at schoolboy rugby and left at the same time, even holding onto players like Charlie or Ben. He didn't even have to rely on his coachs to go with size to help move his team around, he could have challenged himself to pick any of the numerous pocket rockets going around, and just deal with a weakened scrum. You chose to rely on Franks and Moody, the two he is obviously saying didn't provide the versitility required of props in the changing climit (no slight on them as players). rather than do what other environments have done, Shag.
Isn't that that same question? Just because it is for Mo'unga is irrelevant, you're still thinking about the same consequences. Typical hasbeen former coach trying to make himself look smart and relevant in todays' landscape..
Razor needs to look harder at the talent in NZ - all of NZ, not just Canterbury.
Start playing them in their preferred positions.
Drop the non performers and those not up to standard any longer and take some chances on the young up and comers.
BIlly Proctor to start 13.
New 10, 12 needed too.
Ruben Love at 10 would be worth a look. AB's need a big 12 like a Wallace Sititi.
Agree with Shag, the forwards are world class.
jeez give him a chance! Love is in the squad Mathiis will be there next year Proctor will start.
Yep I reckon it all fell apart losing the first test to Argentina and he put himself under pressure to not drop another one after that. I still don't think he would have been adventurous enough to take advantage of all the talent available.
Proctor could have had extra games against Argentina and Australia.
ALB could have had some more time or even an extra start, which would have allowed Lam to be given the Italy opportunity over him.
If Perofeta is really fit he should have been on the bench playing half (game share) the games of Beauden.
Love could have had more opportunity against Japan with Pero not needing as much game time himself, possibly another Autumn game, even England.
Shaun Stevenson should have been brought into the squad when it back absolutely apparent Reece needed sacking (shouldn't really have got this far).
Plummer, if nothing else, should have got 20/25 minutes to show the team he's actually a smart operator at 10 (now we will never know).
Aumua should have actually been used off the bench so when he was required, he didn't take the first thirty minutes to find the right groove each time.
Darry should have been given the same opportunity off the bench he got starting (was given exactly zero off the bench against SA).
One of the small locks, Barrett or Vaa'i, should have had time switching to 6.
More youth and or Xfactor should have been tried in the loosies.
Razor should have been more versatile with the bench by not just using the players he selected on it, but trying out using more forwards, and creating a versatile back covering everything, like Jordie when ALB got a couple of starts.
More loosies and locks should have been used at different times.
Players outside the squad, with both the group who went to Japan, and the group who stayed on after the XV tour, should have had a chance to earn an AB cap. Some, but not all, options not already mentioned Kirifi, Holland, Ekland (Rictelli), Numia, no one too outrageous.
I've probably missed a few of my own and other peoples 'missed opportunities' may not even appear on my radar, but I'm sure theres other lists just as long and unique as this ones.
Shag doing what a Marist miss-two flake does best. Taking cheap shots. NZ lost two of the world’s best locks at the end of 2023 RWC and replaced them with converted blindside flanker. Our loosies were decimated by injuries this year having to therefore rely on a slow and ‘retired’ Sam Cane. Smith replacement at 9 was injured for most of ‘24 meaning we had to rely on Ratima and the ponderous TJP. DMac and Barrett at 10 have never coped with rush defence so we endured a clunky backline with glimpses of the good, often reliant on counter attacking. NZR needs to consider bringing back off shore players. They’re saying it will harm the game but provincial rugby and SR have already sunk to a low level, we need change.
Barret coped fine with the rush. New tens coming through will take. another season to bring them on.
Rose tinted view, they were hardly playing like the worlds best locks anymore. Back row is one of the strongest areas, it was more of a blessing than a hindrance injuries there (public outcry at playing Cane aside).
We had to rely on Hansen's pet, Foster's favourite halfback and #2 Christie. Luckily there was plenty of form to fill Roigards hole so that it wasn't all TJP and Christie. DMac made the (Razor coached) AB backline function with threat against one of the worlds best two defence blitz teams, punching holes, finding holes, and making overlaps.
Super Rugby is still the highest level domestic competition in the world, probably only behind the euripean club competition Champions Cup.
Didn't think I'd be countering all your views, because I actually agreed with you in regards to Shag's take.
Shag reluctantly giving a tiny bit of praise to Razor
Clearly backing his old mate Fozzie still
Razor gets a B for me
Not so much the results but more for the depth he is building
All losses were in single digits and the Boks were pushed until late on
I believe now the bench would be better prepared than during those losses
Argentina when up by 20-8 was a bad one but they are a very good side on the day as Aus and the Boks found out
Ireland scraping home
The French loss was disappointing but it was one point and far improved from their last two matches
And having to play essentially without a bench impact loose forward losing Finau in the first minute
As to being robbed in the final that is a bad comment Shag
No we were not
The cards were dished out correctly and the team fought valiantly with 14 men
I would say though that since then I have seen cards or even penalties where the ruling has been a low level of force
Personally I didn’t think the force was high on Kriel who got up smiling
But can’t really argue and the ABs played fine with 14
Yes and it's not really fair to compare this year's squad to a team in World Cup year with several GOATs and a coach in his twelfth year in test rugby. Tough draw too, with four away matches against the rest of the big four.
WR's review panel had to call Sam Cane a liar in order to hold back the dogs from rescinding his red card. Theres no way you can say it was dished out correctly.
You must have erased the event from your memory, all that is required is mitigation. The review panels ruling was that Sam Cane predicted that Kriel would stop and run towards him at the last moment, Cane said the 'sudden and signification change in direction' was unexpected. It's as simple as that, they agreed it was sudden and significant, just ruled that "a player of Sam Canes world renowned ability" was tracking and waiting for him to step back into him, instead.
Go figure that.
Robbed of the World Cup. Good grief Hansen, you’re better than that.
He was asked for his view, he gave it, it differs from yours, that's how discussions work.
yeah but true
Yeah - could have…Should have…
Losers always whine about something. Winners take home the Cup (again)
Your pathetic comment says more about you than the people you're trying to insult
Some sounds like a sore winner.
South African's made a new term trying to defend their 4th RWC trophy LOL
Geez, Shag has gone down in my opinion. His & Fozzies ‘bromance’ must be pretty intense eh? This team, i.e. the current squad, should have the won the World Cup. Eh? This squad is now missing Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Aaron Cruden, Richie Mounga, Dane Coles, Shannon Frizell etc. How many caps lost is that? How much valuable experience lost? In Shag’s & Foster’s time they couldn’t make up their mind between Mounga & Beaudie at 10. In Shag & Foster’s time, they should/could have won both the 2019 & 2023 RWCs themselves. Talk about carrying a grudge Shag.
What is happening with Razor is almost akin to the Baby Blacks all of those years back. Not quite a whole new squad but totally new Coaching Group, a lot less number of caps in the squad & bunch of newbies that Shag & Fozzie wouldn't have dared tried.
The current squad are not perfect but there are plenty of Green Shoots of promise that will only develop with more game time. With the exception of Arg in Wellington & the final test of the seasons 14 against Italy, all tests were well competed for in a passionate way even though some were 'ugly' wins (which you have to do some time) with more passion & a clear game plan than Fozzie teams showed in his 4 years.
Having said that, I agree with his sentiments about comparing SA’s & NZ’s situation. Playing overseas doesn’t always mean the player is available & return in tip top condition. Look at how long it took Retallick to toughen up after his spell in Japan. The Boks flooded the NH competitions, particularly the Top14, prior to RWC23 for those players to gain experience of the NH players & stadiums. The NH comps finished in May, they all returned to SA for a 3-4 month ‘camp’ before RWC23 started. Plenty of time. Since RWC23, how many of them are still playing in the NH? Hardly any. Kolisi even cut his contract short & returned to SA. The vast majority of the Boks players now overseas are the Backs plying their trade in Japan. There are so many other reasons why overseas players shouldn’t be picked for the ABs eg. Jet Lag travelling to/from the NH which the NH Clubs might not agree to allowing their players a month off to effectively play 1 test. Maybe the NZ players could play for teams in the East of Aus, with conditions, but no further afar.
Yep, that's the WC he's talking about, the one where they had all those players.
Respect to you as an individual for not lowering your respect for him after he fluffed the Lions and 19' WC.
They keep getting "robbed" , but PSDT is somehow the player of the year twice now. If it isn't the make believe "suzie", it's the ref. Sore losers lol Keep making that bad karma and then can't understand when the bounce of the ball goes against them. Take your loss on the chin like real men.
Na not getting way with that! Definitely agree Shag should stop whingeing and dead wrong about 2023.As Reiko said had plenty of opportunities to win that game and didn't . Credit Boks. But for whatever reason AB's throwing up on sidelines and large parts of squad ill leading unto 95 finals. That's a fact no matter what caused it. No sane Kiwi thinks the Coaching staff or Springbok team had anything to do with it. But there were other contenders...Wether Susie was a thing or not the ABs were underpar due to a nasty bg of some sort.Would it have changed the result? We'll never know but inspite of everything the Baby Blacks still took a fully fit and firing home team to extra time. PSDT very fine player but this year I think Kolbe got robbed.
Sore winner 😛
Take a loss like real men? Is that a 60 min video coming out of a sooky SA coach by any chance bagging out the ref after a loss????? Your nation is the sookiest nation in the world led by your coach. Biggest cry baby around. Sore loser , Bad Karma, Nothing real. Take it on the chin like real men eh!!!!!
Sheesh mate. Overreacting much? It's ONE guy's crybaby opinion. Calm yourself down.
Shag must know the new coaching group didn't think it would be "easy". What a silly thing to say. As it was, Razor's 1st year 71% win rate compared to Foster's 50% 1st year win rate, is chalk & cheese. So much for the eight years test experience as Hansen's understudy he took in as Head Coach.
Also, if Shag wants to lay any blame for the RWC2023 Final loss, then he needs to lay it purely at the feet of Sam Cane. When our team needed him the most, our skipper let them down. A pointless red card leaving us one man short for a net 43 minutes. Shoulda woulda coulda is crybaby talk. Embarrassing Shag.
Incorrect, check posts above from SA'ns in regards to that.
SadersMan its Razor who has publicly stated he didnt think it was going to be as hard as its been. Hansen is only repeating Razors own comments there. Sorry but there is nothing embarrassing about honesty and SA were heavily favoured in Ref and TMO decisions in the WC final.
Abit ruf on Sam there mate what he was pinged for is happening 75% of the game.
All it takes is an over enthusiastic TMO and a whimpish ref.
What happened to poor Sam rightly or wrongly left a black mark on NZ RUGBY for the world to see and doubtful mothers of future rugby players
Shameful and terrible officiating of a beautiful sport.
When you are asked for an opinion as Hansen clearly was, should he shape his answer so that he doesn't injure the delicate feelings of those whose opinions differ?
That is not Steve's style so you get what he thinks.