All Blacks coach Hansen to travel with team

MATT RICHENS

Last updated 13:27 18/10/2012

CHRIS SKELTON/Fairfax NZ

WITH THE TEAM: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said not going to Brisbane with his team was "never, ever" an option in the wake of his father's death on Tuesday.

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Coach Steve Hansen will travel to Brisbane with his team today and says missing the All Blacks match with the Wallabies on Saturday night ''was never, ever'' an option.

Hansen's father Des died this week leaving it up in the air what part, if any, Hansen would play in the game.

He today confirmed he would travel.

''You'd be lying if you didn't say it's been a really tough week,'' said Hansen from the All Blacks' Christchurch hotel.

''But we're a tight family and the rugby family have been great. The distraction of going to training... has been awesome.''

The players and team management have rallied around their coach since news of Hansen Senior's ill-health was made public while Hansen himself wanted to continue preparation in a business-as-usual manner.

In his usual no-nonsence style, Hansen said doing the best by the All Blacks is what his late father would have wanted.

''Dad would kick my ass if I didn't do the job right,'' he said.

''I was always going to Brisbane, it was never, ever in doubt. He'd roll over and shoot me if I didn't.''

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