Hansen still expects to quit in 2017

Steve Hansen has reaffirmed his expectation that his tenure as New Zealand head coach to end will end when his contract expires in 2017.

The All Blacks became the first nation ever to defend the World Cup after toppling Australia 34-17 at Twickenham on Saturday in what is expected to be the last international appearance for a host of Kiwi legends including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

Hansen was promoted to the top job when Graham Henry stepped down in 2011 and suspects he will follow suit after the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in two years' time.

"There's a reason why the contract only lasts until 2017, because I'm not sure about that (his future)," Hansen said.

"I wouldn't say 'no' but I'm certainly not saying 'yes' either. You only get 10 years for murder back home so…!

"I like the idea of changing the guard halfway through a cycle which has a World Cup in the middle of it.

"I think when people come in, it is easy to get some really dramatic shift early on and it's a lot harder to keep that momentum going.

"Also, for a long time, we have put everything on the World Cup as the centre, but unless you've got real strength of character, you can be tricked into making decisions which are right for your survival, as opposed to what is right for the team.

"I would probably say it is more likely that I won't be there after 2017. It's been a good trip so far and we've just got to finish it off."

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, who has yet to confirm his retirement from the sport, has outlined the role Hansen has played in shaping New Zealand into the most successful team in World Cup history having been coronated as world champions for a record third time with their win at Twickenham.

"When we won in 2011, Steve put a full stop on it. He inspired the belief and desire that we could do something special now, while doing everything right along the way," McCaw said.

"Four years ago when he said we wanted to be number one until the next World Cup and win it again, you sort of go 'jeepers, you're thinking a long way out'.

"But his belief rubbed off on everyone. Steve never let complacency slip in. He brought in new players with energy and had faith that they would do the job."