Cape Town - All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will travel to Brisbane with his team and says missing the Test against the Wallabies on Saturday "was never, ever" an option.
According to the Stuff.co.nz website, Hansen's father Des died this week leaving it up in the air what part, if any, Hansen would play in the game.
''You'd be lying if you didn't say it's been a really tough week,'' said Hansen from the All Blacks' Christchurch hotel.
''But we're a tight family and the rugby family have been great. The distraction of going to training... has been awesome.''
In his usual no-nonsence style, Hansen said doing the best by the All Blacks is what his late father would have wanted.
''Dad would kick my ass if I didn't do the job right,'' he said.
''I was always going to Brisbane, it was never, ever in doubt. He'd roll over and shoot me if I didn't.''
According to the Stuff.co.nz website, Hansen's father Des died this week leaving it up in the air what part, if any, Hansen would play in the game.
''You'd be lying if you didn't say it's been a really tough week,'' said Hansen from the All Blacks' Christchurch hotel.
''But we're a tight family and the rugby family have been great. The distraction of going to training... has been awesome.''
In his usual no-nonsence style, Hansen said doing the best by the All Blacks is what his late father would have wanted.
''Dad would kick my ass if I didn't do the job right,'' he said.
''I was always going to Brisbane, it was never, ever in doubt. He'd roll over and shoot me if I didn't.''