A frosty relationship between Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and All Blacks mentor Steve Hansen is starting to develop.
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The Wallabies are coming into the Rugby Championship on the back of a 3-0 home series loss to England, while the All Blacks won all three Tests of their home series against Wales in June.
Jones steered the media agenda throughout the series, keeping pressure on the Wallabies and needling the often volatile Cheika. “I’d say he’s got enough problems of his own probably”, Hansen said as his side arrived in Sydney on Sunday.
He stressed attitude would be the big key against an Australian side desperate to regain the Bledisloe Cup, which has resided in New Zealand’s trophy cabinet for 13 years.
“We know they think we’re no chance to do anything and they’re validated, I suppose, we haven’t beaten them for ages in the series so it’s understandable that they would think that”.
“To have the team at Central Coast Stadium as they prepare for one of worldwide rugby’s biggest rivalries is a major coup for our region”.
“For us, we’re going to have to match that and make sure our attitude is right going into this week”.
“I don’t know what he’s upset about”.
Cheika was also attempting to motivate his players by portraying Hansen’s comment as a slight.
“I’ve played with a number of guys before that have lost, had a few conversations around that and it’s always very interesting, hearing their thoughts and feelings around that”, he said.
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“As a squad it’s always great when someone new comes in, you see that look on their face, they’re so excited and want to do the best they can so it’s awesome when someone new comes in to the team”.
