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'Win, lose or draw, we'll have a beer afterwards' – Steve Hansen explains friendship with Eddie Jones

October 20, 2019

The All Blacks face Jones' England in next week's World Cup semi-final.

When the All Blacks face England in the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo next weekend, coach Steve Hansen will once again come face to face with England opposite, Eddie Jones.

Hansen and Jones have long been portrayed as adversaries throughout their coaching careers, however the two share a healthy friendship.

The All Blacks' boss was at one point even standing up for Jones amid speculation over his role as England coach during last year's dreadful run of results.

Speaking to media this afternoon, Hansen revealed that he and Jones had been in contact since their respective quarter-final victories, exchanging texts with each other.

"I said 'looking forward to seeing you, and win, lose or draw, we'll have a beer afterwards'," Hansen said.

"Coaches, regardless of whether you're playing against their team or not, go through the same emotions and things. You spend a lot of time in the same mental space.

"It's a game of footy, it's not life or death. The closer you are, the more you communicate.

"It's like when you play against your brother or your sister, it's important, but not life-threatening."

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