International Rugby
Six Nations sides 'can't run the ball' - Hansen
ESPN Staff
March 5, 2015
Steve Hansen can always be relied upon to find a target in an interview © Getty Images
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Steve Hansen says he fears for the future of rugby union after watching what he describes as drab Six Nations Tests between France and Wales, and Ireland and England, and insists that coaches and players "have a responsibility" to produce more entertaining fare.

The All Blacks coach, in Europe to watch prospective Rugby World Cup 2015 opponents, said that rugby at the highest level had become too focused on defence.

Hansen told WalesOnline that he had "big concerns about the game at the moment because there are not enough tries being scored, which is turning the fans away".

"I think there's a responsibility on the coaches and the players," he said. "We are trying to get defensive lines up really quickly, but I think we've probably gone too far with it. There's a responsibility to the game. If we don't do that, then we are not going to have any running rugby.

"There were only three tries scored in the two games I went to over the weekend. No-one is prepared to take the risk, because they are going to get belted behind the advantage line if they move the ball."

Hansen said the teams in the two matches he had seen had not wanted to move the ball "because they know they can't".

"It's about planning the right kick next to win the game."

Hansen said rugby had to feature more tries and adventure "if we want to encourage people to watch the game".

"Scoring tries is what does that. We can get blinded by a loyalty to our team or we can say to ourselves, 'Is this really the game we want?'. If we don't address it, then we are going to get very boring rugby matches."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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