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All Blacks stoked with depth of talent 'back home' but hoping they won’t have to use it

October 4, 2019

Steve Hansen says Shannon Frizell has done well with his call-up, but he hopes he won’t need to make more. (Source: Other)

Steve Hansen is in two minds when it comes to the talent at his disposal at this year's Rugby World Cup.

On the one hand, there's plenty of talent both in Japan and back in New Zealand that are capable of winning a World Cup, but on the other, those tasked with that job are usually at the expense of someone else - whether it be through initial selection or worse, injuries.

"I guess that's what makes us such a strong rugby nation," Hansen said.

"We've got so much talent."

When thinking of a player who has been cruelly denied of a shot in Japan, Hansen's mind went to midfielder Ngani Laumape.

"There's a guy at home who could easily be here and there's others back home as well."

One player who has been called-up for the campaign is loose forward Shannon Frizell, who joined the All Blacks before their opening Test against the Springboks after rookie flanker Luke Jacobson was scratched from the tournament with concussion.

"Shannon has shown how lucky we are for depth," Hansen said.

"He's come in and played really well but that's what we expect in New Zealand."

The All Blacks' most famous test of depth was back at the 2011 World Cup on home soil when fourth-string first-five Stephen Donald was called into squad in the knockout phases of the tournament after injuries to Dan Carter and Colin Slade. 

Donald's only feature in the tournament was in the final after Aaron Cruden also suffered an injury but Donald entered the game and went on to kick the championship-winning penalty.

Despite the Hollywood-like tale, Hansen is happy to not need to go to such lengths.

"Hopefully we don't have to go too deep."

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