mens
international
Ex All black people coach Steve Hansen identified what he called an “inconvenient fact” holding the Wallabies back from yet another Bledisloe Cup series defeat.
Hansen, who spent 17 years with the All Blacks, including eight as head coach, oversaw most of what is now a 24-year reign as Bledisloe Cup holders. Much has been made of Australia’s prospects in the 2026 rivalry after a famous victory over South Africa, but New Zealand’s 93 points in the two Tests outscored Australia’s 40 and the Bledisloe Cup is back in NZR’s trophy cabinet.
Reacting to the series in this week’s episode Rugby Unity podcast, Hansen addressed the Wallabies leadership, defending captain Harry Wilson by emphasizing the shared nature of leadership responsibility. Australia however, he did not escape Hansen’s analysis without individual responsibility.
“Well, leadership starts with yourself. So if there are 15 players out there and they managed to keep 15 there, which was good, there are 15 leaders and people have to make decisions.”
“And that leadership starts on Sunday, so you start preparing through the week, and then you have small leadership groups: two or three people who take care of the facilities, work with the coaches, someone works in defense, etc. And their job is to be able to implement tactics, implement standards throughout the week.
“And then at game time, you have your drivers. You know, your captain. I think it’s a failure that the captain actually runs the game. It’s like there’s a number of people who run the game and the captain is just one of them. So we’ve talked a lot about the lack of a real world-class 10, and I think the problem is with some other five. At 12 or 15, who can come in and take the pressure off the 10 if he’s off the line or if he’s under pressure, just come in and take a few passes with half back
“So that’s a problem, and it’s been a problem for a while in Australian rugby. So, as far as the fans, the fans just have to stay loyal, keep showing up and, you know, asking for more. Because if they’re asking for more, the players themselves are going to want more. They’re not going to be satisfied, so they’re good scoreboard players. So they’re going to find a way to be patient enough to let them go.
“And as we speak, we’re putting a lot of pressure on whoever plays at 10 because we’re saying they’re not the world-class players we need. But unfortunately that’s just an inconvenient fact. I mean, New Zealand they lost Love, they lost Mo’unga, and they can still play Damian McKenzie.
“He had a try, so I’ve got to give it. He tried. You can’t knock a kid’s performance. It’s just the fact that he’s not Damian McKenzie or (Handre) Pollard. If you look at the best sides, they all have great first fives.”
