Hansen: It’s hard, but the team comes first

Hansen told each player personally whether they where going to Australia for the Rugby World Cup or staying at home and he says he can empathise with each and every one who didn’t make it.

“It’s a very difficult time in a coach’s working life, telling people who want to be a part of the team and who haven’t stopped working towards that goal, that they are not going to be on that plane,” admitted Hansen.

“No-one enjoys that kind of thing, but you just have to be honest with yourself and the players. A coach’s loyalty must be to the team first and the players second, the team must always come first.

“I will always understand when some players react in a negative way and the hope is that they don’t get taken advantage of and that what they say doesn’t fall on unsympathetic ears.”