Hansen bats for his opposite number

Tokyo – New Zealand coach Steve Hansen (right) yesterday launched an impassioned defence of Wallabies rival Michael Cheika, pointing to how Manchester United stuck with Sir Alex Ferguson before a glittering run of football success.

After Hansen and Cheika named their teams for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Japan, the All Blacks coach offered support to his opposite number, who survived calls for his head thanks to a stunning 45-34 comeback win over Argentina earlier this month.

“I know continuity has been proven over and over again to be a pretty good recipe,” said Hansen.

“Look at Sir Alex Ferguson. He was just about to get the sack and went on to do the job for 30 years – and he wasn’t too bad.”

Hansen likened Cheika’s position to Jose Mourinho, who has come under fire after United’s poor start to the season.

“Mourinho is probably in a similar boat at the moment,” said Hansen. “They’re going to decide what they’re going to do with him because it’s probably not going as well as they would like.”

Sonny Bill Williams is set to play his 50th Test tomorrow as the All Blacks named a strong team for the third Bledisloe Cup Test in Yokohama.

Cheika will give Israel Folau his first start as centre, while veteran Sekope Kepu could earn his 100th cap after being named among the reserves. –