Hansen

Tietjens hits back at Hansen

The two coaches have criticized each other over the handling of All Black fullback Ben Smith in the lead up to the tournament, Tietjens wanted him to play at least two tournaments before the Olympics while Hansen didn't think that wasn't necessary because of his Smith's caliber.

Smith last played sevens when he won gold at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games but Tietjens said the game has changed a lot since then.

Hansen: Ease up on SBW

Under-fire All Black Sonny Bill Williams has received some welcome backing after his Stade de France brain fade.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has gone in to bat for his embattled second five-eighth after he was widely lambasted for his knucklehead play early in the second half against France that saw him sinbinned, coughed up a penalty try and was the catalyst for the French to roar back from 31-5 to 31-18.