KEY POINTS:
MARSEILLE - All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen will be absent from the rugby World Cup for an unspecified period of time after today flying home to Christchurch yesterday to be with his sick mother.
Hansen watched New Zealand's 76-14 crushing of Italy here and left on the fulltime whistle to be with mother Lauriss, who is believed to have suffered a heart attack more than a week ago.
He has endured the first week of the tournament conscious of his mother's condition, something that manager Darren Shand said was to be admired.
"It's been hard. When things close to your family happen, it's always going to affect you, especially when you're on the other side of the world," Shand said.
"Steve's a tough character and he's dealt with it in his own way.
"He's had great support from the team and the management and he goes with our blessing really."
In a short statement, Hansen said he would spend time with his parents and family, who were now his first priority.
"The All Blacks is important too and I'll look to join up with the team again when I can. In the meantime, there's plenty of experience and expertise in the squad and they'll carry on fine."
Shand asked the media to respect Hansen's privacy.
Questioned whether there was a chance Hansen wouldn't return to France at all, Shand was non-committal.
"We can't say at this stage...
"It's Steve's call and we'll support what he thinks is the right thing to do."
In the meantime, Shand said other members of the coaching staff would cover Hansen's role as forwards mentor. Head coach Graham Henry and scrum coach Mike Cron are likely candidates.
"When you look at all the possible things that can be thrown at you, you consider these things and you make plans for them. The proof of that will be how we respond this week," he said.
"I'm sure some lineout moves will be sent across email and across the phone (from Hansen)."
Shand said the team were aware of Hansen's situation before the game, but it was never used as motivation.
- NZPA
