Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones downplayed Steve Hansen’s role in the Australian set-up by likening it to a friend stopping by for a beer and a chat.
There was outrage in New Zealand this week when word got out that Hansen, a great All Blacks coach, had linked up with the Wallabies and Jones ahead of the World Cup.
Dane Coles, in particular, had a notable reaction to the news whilst New Zealand’s Prime Minister joked about cancelling his citizenship.
An old friend
Jones simplifies the role and explains that he simply wants the opinion of a very successful Test rugby coach.
“I’ve coached against Steve since 1998, so we’ve got a long relationship, enjoy each other’s company, and I always had the thought we wanted this week to be a reset week for us,” Jones told reporters.
“We’ve been through the Rugby Championship, done our Australian responsibilities, and now it’s a rest so we’ve brought in Steve to have a look at what we’re doing.
“It’s purely like a…