Woodward: Biggest test of Hansen’s career
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen finds himself in unfamiliar territory on the eve of one of the most highlyanticipated tests of the decade — being under more pressure than his opposite.
This is the view of former Lions’ coach Sir Clive Woodward, the man in charge of the tourists’ disastrous campaign in 2005.
Woodward, writing in a column for the Daily Mail, yesterday took a swipe at Hansen’s coaching credentials ahead of Saturday’s series decider against Warren Gatland’s team at Eden Park.
The next few days could be the most important of Hansen’s career after the All Blacks lost a dramatic second test in Wellington last Saturday, Woodward wrote.
“I’m a fan of Steve Hansen. In fact, I’m a fan of anybody who coaches at this level, and Steve has been an integral part of two Rugby World Cup wins with New Zealand. But the All Blacks coach is really under pressure this week.
“Just as last week was Warren Gatland’s toughest as a coach, this is the biggest test of Hansen’s career. Rarely does an All Blacks coach have his back against the wall at home, but Hansen has it all to do.”
According to Woodward, the decision to sacrifice All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino after Sonny Bill Williams’ 25th-minute red card at the Westpac Stadium, was “baffling”.
“I cannot understand why, when Sonny Bill Williams was sent off, Hansen decided to take off powerhouse flanker Jerome Kaino and replace him with rookie [midfielder] Ngani Laumape. The swapping of a back for a forward made no sense, and spoke of an overly rigid game plan of attacking the 10-12 channel where I suspect the All Blacks felt inroads could be made against Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell.
“Then there was the substitution of Aaron Smith midway through the second half. Many commentators from New Zealand tell me there is nothing to choose between Smith and TJ Perenara,” Woodward wrote.
“Sorry, I have to disagree. Smith is world-class and was running the show in Wellington. Perenara is a good test halfback but as yet no more than that.”
Woodward also wondered whether Hansen would be able to handle the pressure of expectant New Zealand supporters this week.
“There are those — but I’m not one of them — who believe any properlyqualified coach could make a decent fist of taking charge of New Zealand when you have some of the world’s best players and a brilliant set-up. You do start with many advantages but there is no more pressurised job in sport. A few cracks started to appear in the heat of battle last week when he made calls which I would not have made and which may have cost New Zealand the game.”