All Blacks coaches play musical chairs - again

All Blacks coaching combo Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith and Graham Henry. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

There's been yet another switcheroo among the All Blacks brains trust.

Last year, head coach Graham Henry took over responsibility for coaching the forwards from Steve Hansen. The role of managing the defence went to Wayne Smith, while Smith's attacking portfolio was handed to Hansen.

Earlier this year, however, speculation began that Hansen wanted his old job back as forwards coach.

Now Henry and Hansen have indeed swapped roles in the All Blacks' rugby coaching set-up, with Hansen returning to guide the forwards for the upcoming international season.

The coaches confirmed the switch at their first press conference of the year in Auckland today.

Henry will be the attack coach, a new role for him under the current regime, with Hansen reclaiming the forwards coaching role and Wayne Smith retaining his post as defence coach.

"Is this forever? I don't know," Henry told reporters.

Henry said the latest shuffle had come after some "self-reflection" and an extensive review following last year's European tour where they won all their test matches.

Another review of their roles would take place after this year's Tri-Nations competition, Henry said.

Hansen had previously expressed a desire to return to coaching the forwards.

"I enjoy coaching forwards and it's a great challenge," he said.

- NZPA