No crisis for losing Eddie’s England

Callum Davis

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has dismissed talk of an England crisis after Eddie Jones' side lost their third straight game to hand Ireland their Grand Slam.

Ireland overcame England 24-15 at Twickenham to claim the home side's Six Nations crown.

Despite England finishing the tournament in fifth place, Hansen insists they have not become a bad side overnight.

“Yes, they've lost three in a row and that's the reality, but it doesn't make them a poor side and nor does it mean they're in crisis,” he said in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

Hansen was in charge of the All Blacks for last year's drawn series with the British and Irish Lions and the 58-year-old believes last year’s punishing tour could still be having an effect on England's key players.

“It's always tough after a Lions tour, where they had so many involved and then not having a break when they got back,” he said.

“It's something we thought might happen and it's difficult.

“They'll have an off-season and I think the off-season will be really important for the English guys. I'm sure they'll sort it out and will be a tough team to beat in November,” he added.

Hansen also suggested Ireland's central contracts have allowed them to manage their Lions better than England were able to.

“They've got central contracting which allows them to maybe have a bit more control over playing time and player welfare than the countries where they don't have that luxury”.

The former Wales head coach ruled out the possibility of succeeding Jones as England head coach. Jones' contract runs out in 2021, and he is tipped to lead the Lions to South Africa.

“I won't be coaching England,” Hansen said. “If I was going to stay coaching international rugby then I'd stay coaching the All Blacks. It's a massive time commitment, no matter who you're with.”

— Telegraph Group