Steve Hansen links up with New Zealand squad in Lyon

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has joined the New Zealand squad in Lyon ahead of their second game in the ongoing Rugby World Cup in Namibia in Toulouse.

Hansen had coached New Zealand between 2012 and 2019 and guided them to a World Cup triumph in 2015. He stepped down from the role at the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup with his assistant Ian Foster succeeding him.

The 64-year-old was recently seen with the Wallabies squad with Eddie Jones hiring him as a consultant with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkin even joking that they will be cancelling his citizenship.

Nevertheless, with the All Blacks suffering a defeat in the opening game against France, scrum coach Jason Ryan stated that Hansen's presence will boost the squad's morale.

“He’s here until Wednesday and it’s been good,” Ryan said.

“He’s arguably the greatest coach we’ve ever had so it’s really special to have him in here, really special.

“On a personal level he’s been unbelievable for me right through my Super Rugby career and right into the All Blacks.

“He’s someone I stay in contact with all the time and to have him in here, he’s got a beautiful eye on him and drops a few good one-liners in.

“But he also helps the coaches and wants the All Blacks to be better first and foremost.”

Following the game against Namibia, New Zealand will also be facing Italy and Uruguay on 29th September and 5th October respectively.