Steve Hansen has given a simple piece of advice to Warren Gatland after the British and Irish Lions coach said he "hated" this year's tour of New Zealand - don't do the job.
Hansen said in passionate interview on Radio Sport this morning that the negativity and post-tour fallout with players was all part of the gig.
"I've only just heard it [Gatland's comments] because I don't read too much about what coaches are saying and doing," he said.
"Why would you hate coaching the Lions? If you hate coaching, don't do it. I love coaching any team I've been involved in - that's the reason I'm doing it.
"I'm lucky enough to coach the All Blacks, which is fantastic, if you are lucky enough to coach the Lions it is also fantastic.
The All Blacks coach criticised the media for blowing the feud between himself and the Lions' coach out of proportion. (Source: Other)
"Welcome to our world. You are under constant pressure, constant scrutiny. People expect you to be able to front up and do the job well."
Gatland, who has returned to his head coach role with Wales, effectively ended any chance of returning to the Lions for a third tour as head coach after he revealed last week how much he disliked the tour.
All Blacks coach Hansen believes Gatland is calling for more reinforcements from the UK to cover his growing Lions injury list. (Source: Other)
The decision was spurred from Sean O'Brien's criticism last month when the Irish flanker said poor management cost the team the drawn series he believes they should've won 3-0.
"Those comments were disrespectful to New Zealand," he said.
"I hated the tour. I just hated the press and the negativity in New Zealand. I'm done [with the Lions].
"When I look back on it now, there were a lot of things that were satisfying and what an achievement it was, but it was tough work.
"You watch how hard the coaches and the backroom staff worked - they worked their absolute nuts off - and then to have someone [O'Brien] come out and make a comment like that... it really, really did hurt. It took the gloss off the tour."
Hansen and Gatland will square off for the first time since the tour when the All Blacks take on Wales next month on Sunday 26 November at Principality Stadium in Cardiff at 5:15am NZT.
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