New Zealand owes Australia nothing: Hansen fires up in Super Rugby debate – Sydney Morning Herald

It sparked talk Australia could go it alone and devise its own domestic competition, but there is an appetite on both sides of the ditch for a trans-Tasman competition.
I love New Zealand and its people and we have strong cultural ties and a rich rugby heritage, but it feels a bit master-servant at the moment, McLennan said.
We have been looking after the Aussies for years … And every time we have required something from them, particularly at a high level, sometimes they have gone missing.
Steve Hansen
Hansen was equally firm, saying New Zealand should be looking after itself, given that, in his opinion, Australia hadnt always been the best ally.
Without being controversial, we have been looking after the Aussies for years, Hansen told Stuff. And every time we have required something from them, particularly at a high level, sometimes they have gone missing.
Do we owe them something? No. But because we are the nation we are, and we care about the game more than just ourselves, we bend and buckle a bit. I think New Zealand Rugby are in the mood for having strong discussions because they only get one shot at it.
Hansen mentioned the sour relationship was a byproduct of New Zealand losing co-hosting rights to the 2003 Rugby World Cup, which was eventually held exclusively in Australia.
Steve Hansen says New Zealand Rugby does not owe Australia anything. Credit:AP
There is still lingering bitterness regarding that decision. Even in recent years, tensions between the Wallabies and All Blacks have been high.
Hansen said whatever competition was created next year needed to be a good breeding ground for Test players.
You have got to start with, ‘what do you want out of it?’ rather than, ‘OK, we are going to have this competition’, Hansen said. It has to be really competitive and produce world-class players. If you allow it to become watered down, there is too big a gap between Super Rugby and Test rugby.
You dont want to be diluting the talent pool. And then you have to ask, Do we want our athletes travelling all around the world as much as they have been?
If the answer is no, you look internally into New Zealand or maybe Australia

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