All Black coach Steve Hansen has just finished another top year. Should he be rewarded with a contract beyond next year now or should New Zealand Rugby wait until the result of the World Cup next year? Steve Hepburn argues Hansen should be secured now while Rob van Royen thinks it is worth waiting.
STEVE HEPBURN SAYS
He is not exactly George Clooney but in terms of box-office draw Steve Hansen is a bit like his namesake, Steven Spielberg - nearly everything he touches brings success.
The simple fact is Hansen has the runs on the board.
Over his three seasons in charge of the All Blacks, his side has had two losses.
Two out of more than 40 tests.
Is there any other sports team which has a winning percentage like that ?That is a compelling reason to chuck a contract Hansen's way right away for beyond next year.
He is successful. Success should bring reward. A two-year extension until after the British and Irish Lions' tour in 2017 should be waved in front of Hansen's nose as soon as possible.
The former policeman has grown into his role as All Black coach.
He knows the ins and outs of the players. Knows what makes them tick. He is an experienced coach at international level. He wants to continue.
Most of all, he has the respect of the New Zealand rugby public.
After next year, a host of players are going to leave the All Blacks or at least be moved on.
The foundations of the national side are going to change markedly.
But with having Hansen there, one bedrock will stay secure.
His knowledge and experience will be a big asset in 2016 when the likes of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Conrad Smith will have left the building.
Plus is there any coach screaming out for the top job at the moment?There are too many questions about other candidates.
Ian Foster hardly stands out as head coaching material for the national team.
Dave Rennie could be an option but does he really want the job? Other Super rugby coaches are not ready to take on the national mantle.
Waiting for the result of the World Cup is too late.
It is like deciding a cricketer's fate on whether he can score a hundred in one test.
Winning a World Cup can be a lottery. It is tough for a world-class coach like Hansen to rest his future on a couple of games.
And another thing.
We live in an international workplace. If Hansen does not get the deal he wants he could walk.
Could you imagine him preparing the Wallabies or, even worse, the Poms ?Anyway, this is all a big song and dance.
This is professional sport where contracts mean nothing.
Players come and go. So do coaches.
But it is better for New Zealand rugby that Hansen is staying rather than going.
ROB VAN ROYEN SAYS
There is no doubt Steve Hansen has done a fine job since taking the reins from Graham Henry after the 2011 World Cup, but extending his contract now would be like opening your Christmas presents early.
As good as his record is since taking over in 2012 - 38 wins, two draws, two losses - we all know it is going to take a mighty effort for the All Blacks to win the World Cup away from home next year.
Whether or not the All Blacks become the first team to win the William Webb Ellis Cup back to back is precisely what Hansen and his coaching staff should be judged on.
If the NZRU waves a contract in front of Hansen before the World Cup, only for the All Blacks to suffer a shock quarterfinal loss - think 2007 - there is sure to be a backlash.
Let's be honest, as important as the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship are, it is all about hoisting the biggest trophy of all, the trophy New Zealand has only ever won at home.
The moment one World Cup campaign comes to an end, the rebuilding and planning starts for the next, and that is why Hansen's future should not be decided until next November.
From shoddy rugby paddocks, to biased referees to rowdy, drunken Poms jeering in the Twickenham stands, the recent end-of-year tour was proof as to how difficult it will be to win it all next year.
Should the unthinkable happen - again think 2007 - and the All Blacks do not defend their crown, Hansen should not necessarily be shown the door.
Sticking with Henry, Hansen and Wayne Smith after the 2007 debacle in Cardiff was the right choice. Should Hansen fail next year, he could still sign on until at least 2017, when the British and Irish Lions tour.
The All Blacks have played some of their best rugby under Hansen and he has built a squad with more depth than ever, but Hansen needs to take this team to the biggest stage of all before the NZRU sticks a contract under his nose.
