All Blacks coach Steve Hansen took an opportunity last night to tell Minister of Sport Grant Robertson there should be more funding for the team.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Mr Robertson were in the Eden Park changing rooms celebrating the All Blacks’ resounding Bledisloe Cup success, with a smiling Hansen revealing he took the chance to lobby the politicians.
"I didn't actually say it to her (Ms Ardern), I said it to Grant Robertson - I said they should be our biggest sponsors cause we're their biggest brand," Mr Hansen said.
"Could she (Ms Ardern) find some money to help us compete against the likes of England and France so we can keep our players.
"So there wasn't a lot said after that," he joked.
"It's always good to have the prime minister of your country in - we always used to enjoy it when John (Key) came in and tonight we enjoyed it.
"It was the turn of the boys from the Labour party to enjoy the moment."
Hansen said there was a conscious effort from both sides to avoid any awkward moments.
"She was very respectful, she knew the guys had to get changed and all that sort of thing.
"She mentioned it and I said, 'don't worry they won't get changed, you spend as long as you want to be in here and get to know them.'
"She leads our country so we respect her immensely - it's important she gets to know the people representing their country in a black shirt.”
Hansen also revealed that TJ Perenara gave Ms Ardern, who was wearing a Black Ferns jersey, his playing jersey and he hoped to see her wear it at some point.
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