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Hansen slams Aussies for 'stealing' Kiwi talent

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen wants Australia to select only Australian born players

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Article Published: Monday 22 October 2012






All Blacks rugby coach Steve Hansen has slammed Australian Rugby for "stealing" New Zealand players and says that they should create depth by developing their own talent.

Hansen spoke after his team's Bledisloe Cup 18-18 draw in Brisbane on Saturday in which New Zealand-born center Mike Harris kicked five penalties for Australia.

Hansen says he doesn't begrudge Harris' decision to sign for Queensland and the Reds when he was rejected by New Zealand Super XV Rugby franchises or to later play for Australia.

But Hansen says "what I find frustrating is that Australia is trying to build their game and put more franchises in place, but all they are doing is putting franchises in place and stealing our players. "

"They should get their own house in order and develop their own."

Hansen's comments will be amusing for many foreign observers as their is the perception - rightly or wrongly - that New Zealand have built many of their teams through selecting talent originally from the Pacific Islands.

 
 
 
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