Why new coaches Peel andThomas will be taking a leaf out of Hansen’s book
Dwayne Peel and Jonathan Thomas have revealed how Steve Hansen changed the mindset of a generation of Welsh players as they now follow him into the world of coaching.
The two Grand Slam winners – who are recent additions to the management team at Aviva Premiership new boys Bristol – both played under Hansen in the early years of the last decade.
And they maintain the Kiwi coach had a huge impact on them and other Welsh players of the era, as the foundations were laid for future triumphs.
Now they are looking to utilise some of what they learned under the All Blacks World Cup winning boss as they embark on their post playing careers.
Former Lions scrum-half Peel, who hung up his boots in March due to a shoulder injury, has taken over as Bristol’s backs and attack coach from Matt Sherratt, who is linking up with Danny Wilson at Cardiff Blues.
And back rower Thomas has assumed responsibility for defence and core skills, having had to retired from playing on medical grounds last year at the age of 32.
The ex-Ospreys flanker says he, Peel and team-mates from the time learned a massive amount from the culture Hansen established within the Wales camp between 2002 and 2004.
“Steve was my first coach internationally and, as a young player, to be coached by someone like that was huge,” he told The Bristol Post.
“The things you learned off him, not just as a coach, but from the culture he created for that side, were huge.
“Sometimes as a young player, you sit in a meeting, your head is down, and you think you probably haven’t earned the right to speak. But the big thing he taught us was you’ve got to have an opinion.
“Whether you’re 21 or 31, you’ve got to have an opinion and you’ve got to challenge people. Ultimately, when you’re on the pitch, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’ve got to make the right calls at the right time, and you’ve got to stand up and be counted.”
The 76-cap Peel concurred, saying: “When we were young - 20 or 21 - we played under Steve Hansen, and for that generation of players, he changed the way we thought about the game in Wales.
“If you asked any of the younger guys who played at that time under him, they would say he was great for our mindset and how we approached the game.
“You can see it now - he’s taken New Zealand to double World Cup success and they look a formidable team.”
The former Wales stars are now working under another experienced international coach in Bristol’s director of rugby Andy Robinson, who had spells at the helm of England and Scotland.
“Andy has shown a lot of faith in us in terms of giving us the opportunity,” said the 34-year-old Peel.
“Now it’s about trying to repay that, but also trying to relish and enjoy it.
“He is really challenging of us, but in a good way. He’ll always question what we’re doing and how we’re delivering it and developing. That’s great for us, because it keeps us working hard and provides a good sounding-board for us to ask questions.
“They are big jobs we’ve been given – it’s a big job for me, having my first opportunity here in the Premiership. But there’s no point in shying away from it. I’m going to work as hard as I can to give it the best shot.
“In terms of trying to unlock defences, we’re coming up against some of the best defences in Europe. But it’s about going out there, being bold, and having a go.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s obviously different in terms of the planning side of things. It’s harder in many ways and obviously easier in others, such as not having to do the physical stuff.
“The boys are gelling well and working really hard. They’ve come in with a really good attitude and there’s a good buzz about the place.”
On a personal note, Peel added: “In many respects, the injury last year, which meant I didn’t play any rugby all season, helped my transi-