FINDING SMITH’S REPLACEMENT

ALL BLACKS HEAD COACH Steve Hansen says no one has been shouldertapped to replace Smith and that candidates are welcome to apply for the role.

He hopes to have the new man in place before the Rugby Championship so they can spend eight to 10 weeks working with Smith to ensure a smooth transition.

While Smith has o cially been defence coach, he has taken on other responsibilities such as skill development and some strategic elements of the All Blacks’ work.

The new man will just work in defence and the most likely contenders are: