The news broke this morning that former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen would be joining Australia's World Cup coaching staff in an advisory role.
Hansen famously coached the greatest international side ever seen to World Cup victory when the All Blacks won the 2015 edition of the tournament, and, as such, it has come as a surprise to see him linking up with their great rivals.
It most certainly came as a shock to All Blacks hooker Dane Coles who found out in an interview at a team training session, during which he expressed his disappointment at Hansen's new role.
Ye!.... What actually?
What like an in camp kind of set up....Shag what are you up to?
Well it hurts a little bit to be fair. I'm actually gobsmacked. I know he's quite tight with Eddie, I know they're pretty good mates.
But he's a bit of an icon in the All Blacks set up. I'm a bit speechless. It's a bit disappointing but we can't do much about that.
Dan Coles Reacts To Steve Hansen Joining Wallabies World Cup Ticket
Dane Coles is GOBSMACKED upon learning that Steve Hansen is joining the Wallabies: pic.twitter.com/EStNvQjUv5
— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) August 21, 2023
"Yeah it does [sting] kind of a bit," added Coles.
"He's a great man. Ye I'm actually gobsmacked.
"I thought you guys were fucking having a bit of a laugh.
"He's obviously not in the environment at the moment, so we just have to leave it. I suppose hooking up with Eddie, hopefully he doesn't tell him all out secrets, but I think he'll be respectful.
"If he's respectful, which I think he will be to the All Blacks, I think there'll be no problems. That's just me trying to process what you've just said."
SEE ALSO: RTÉ And Virgin Reveal Experienced Punditry Line-Ups For Rugby World Cup
