Moving on: Richard Kahui
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All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has expressed his disappointment at Richard Kahui's call to play in Japan.
Hansen said that he was frustrated the centre never gave him a chance to change his mind.
Kahui announced last week that he would move to Top League club Toshiba Brave Lupus in 2014 after seeing out Super Rugby 2013 at the Chiefs.
"We were very disappointed with that because he didn't really speak to us, or his agent didn't," Hansen told commercial radio on Tuesday.
"I always find that a bit frustrating."
Hansen said he would have appreciated an opportunity to put a counter-offer to Kahui, who was a key member of New Zealand's World Cup-winning team in 2011 and helped the Chiefs to the Super Rugby title last year.
Kahui said last week that he decided to play in Japan to secure his future after a string of shoulder injuries, which has restricted him to just 17 Tests since his international debut in 2008.
The 27-year-old will not be eligible to play for the All Blacks while in Japan but has canvassed the possibility of returning to his homeland in 2015 so he can help New Zealand defend its World Cup title in England.
Hansen said Kahui was taking a gamble as there was no guarantee an up-and-coming centre would not cement a spot in his absence.
"He's talked about coming back, but he, like everybody else, takes a big risk when they leave because there's other people here who have got talent," he said.
"But he's weighed that up and believes he can come back. Hopefully he does and hopefully he comes back and plays to the level that can get him selected."
Comments
passtheball says...
Hansen is worried he losing his centres as he's really back to Smith and Nonu. Richard has had a horrible time with injuries so a break in Japan with less physical demands might be just what he needs. Then again he might damage his shoulder in S15 - if he ever gets out on the park. Shoulders rarely come right with that much damage done already.
Posted 10:48 19th February 2013
GoWalesGo says...
There's no pleasing this guy.
He always moans and moans, he was the same when he was Wales head coach. A miserable fart.
Posted 10:16 19th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
If the legendary Springboks are happy to select N Hem based players then I think the All Blacks could change their overseas selection ban too. All it does is make NZ players more attractive to club owners becasue they know they won't lose them during the Test periods. How attractive would All Black players be to french clubs if they had to gve them up for summer tours just before the Top 14 Grand final???
Still, Hanseon is right that a new centre could be unearthed before 2015 and the NZ rugby production line is the envy of the world. Its what keeps a tiny country at the top of the sport.
Posted 09:59 19th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
If only ABs had access to the depth of centres England has. Joke. Sorry but this is not a problem for the ABs. Take one of the best alternatives in NZ, give him some time in an AB training camp with regular 4 nations games and whoever it is will be rated one of the best in the world. Whoever they choose. To those that worry... They don't understand what makes a good all black.
Posted 09:09 19th February 2013
porridge_time says...
PREEST... was not implying that Kahui and SBW moves over seas were the same... I have no real issue with SBW, he is a talented young athlete, but more like a movies star jumping from one project to the next.
My comparison was that they both might find it difficult to re-enter the fold on their return.
Have to agree with you I actually thought that Kahui would be the natural successor to Conrad Smith.
Posted 09:03 19th February 2013
PREEST says...
I feel for Kahui. He has never had consistant time with ABs due to injury. His move is nothing like SBW who constantly jumps ship and can never stay put with one.franchise. I don't know why he is given so much praise. He walks into the ABs then gives up the Jersey after a handful of test. Real disrespect to the Jersey and to players who would give their all to make the national team.
Posted 08:37 19th February 2013
porridge_time says...
All about personal choice in the modern game. Kahui is a quality player and will be missed from the NZ game, but he is still young enough to go and come back after one season... having said that Hanson has a point because there is no guarantee that he will make an AB squad in early 2015... same could be said for SBW who is also reportedly eyeing a return for WC and Olympics.
One thing is for sure in New Zealand the conveyor belt of talent coming from the schools constantly moves.
Posted 07:47 19th February 2013
saintblack says...
why richard why.... All Blacks running low on qaulity centers..
Posted 05:57 19th February 2013