Steve Hansen

All Blacks seek Hansen replacement

Hansen's eight-year tenure at the New Zealand helm ended following the Rugby World Cup bronze final win over Wales, a semi-final defeat to England having denied him a shot at a second title.

NZR confirmed the search for his successor was under way in a statement released on Wednesday, in which the organisation said it had invited "applications from a small group of coaches familiar with New Zealand's professional rugby environment".

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen confirms he will step down after next year’s World Cup

He said whoever replaced him would bring a new perspective.

"Some fresh eyes, some fresh thinking ... whoever it is will be fresh. It will be for the enhancement of the legacy of the jersey," he said.

Hansen comes off contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) after the tournament, which runs next September and October.

He has been Head Coach of the All Blacks since 2012 and prior to that was an Assistant Coach for eight years.

Hansen told media this morning two big reasons for making the choice were what was right for the team, and what was right for his family.

Hansen won't wield axe

The All Blacks' selection panel, which comprises Ian Foster, Grant Fox and Hansen, will on Monday confirm their 37-man squad to tour the northern hemisphere and although a number of players' reputations were dented at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night there will be no immediate repercussions.

"I probably could have told you the touring squad before tonight, and it hasn't changed," Hansen said as he ruminated on the end of the All Blacks' seven-match winning streak against the Aussies on the soggy Suncorp pitch.

Lay off SBW: Hansen

Despite making 23 tackles in the All Blacks' 25-24 win over the Springboks in Cape Town on October 8, Williams has been blitzed by some critics who believe he has lost the ability to tickle-up opponents with the attacking skills that made him such a unique force at second five-eighth.

When All Blacks coach Hansen, having arrived in Brisbane on Monday night to prepare his team for the match against the Wallabies this weekend, was asked to provide an assessment of Williams' form he let rip.

Hansen: Rules should be simpler

After Owen Farrell had levelled the score at 15-15 with a 78th-minute penalty, the All Blacks looked set to be given a chance to claim victory when referee Poite awarded a penalty to the hosts from the restart.

However, after consulting the television match official and his touch judges, Poite ultimately decided that Lions hooker Ken Owens was accidentally offside when collecting a knock-on from full-back Liam Williams, meaning New Zealand were only granted a scrum rather than the opportunity to kick at goal.