Steve Hansen is close to confirming his new All Blacks coaching team © Getty Images

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Aussie Mclean is set to be unveiled as the new assistant to All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, furthering Canterbury's domination of the positions of power in New Zealand rugby.

The province is home to New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Mike Eagle, All Blacks manager Darren Strand, head coach Hansen and skipper McCaw. And the imminent appointment of McLean to Hansen's new-look All Blacks set-up is set to increase the province's influence at the top of the NZRU.

McLean was born in Australia but spent most of his coaching career in Christchurch, acting as Canterbury's assistant coach on a number of occasions as well as working with New Zealand's under-19 age group and advising Samoa in this year's World Cup.

And Eagle believes his imminent promotion demonstrates the successful structures at work within Canterbury rugby.

"It's easy when you've had success," Mr. Eagle said. "I just go back to people like the Hurricanes and say, `Even if you win one Super Rugby title, you've got another six to catch up'. They say it now but it's more of a joke. They say, `Look at Canterbury, you've got all the coaches'.

"But they (Canterbury people in prominent positions) don't get there by accident. These guys are there because they're best at it and they've come through an organisation where they understand what it means, what you need to get successful.

"Once you get a thing rolling it's an attitude thing. People learn from other people. They see what it means, this is what you do to be good and just follow it. It's not rocket science."

Chiefs coach Ian Foster is also tipped to take over as backs coach with Mick Byrne is set to take over as forwards coach in Hansen's new All Blacks set-up.