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AIX EN PROVENCE - The All Blacks coaches don't want their employment from next year to become a point of discussion until after the rugby World Cup.
A report in a weekend newspaper that claimed assistant coach Wayne Smith was targeting the head role next year was premature, said fellow-assistant Steve Hansen.
"I don't know if he actually said that he wanted to be the head coach," Hansen told journalists today.
"He just said he'd be keen to stay coaching, which is great, isn't it, for New Zealand rugby."
Hansen took the same stance as Smith. He wanted to continue with rugby next year but in what capacity was not worth discussing until the current campaign was seen out.
"I'm keen to keep coaching. I haven't really thought about it to be honest, this is the focus," Hansen said.
"Once we've got this out of the way, we'll decide what's happening.
"Other people might decide for me."
Head coach Graham Henry has given nothing away about his plans for 2008 and beyond.
While it is widely expected he will stand down after the Cup, regardless of New Zealand's outcome, Henry's only link to another coaching role has been reports that will take over at Welsh club Cardiff.
- NZPA
