New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen admitted his disappointment at seeing opposite number Ewen McKenzie step down after this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash.
A last-gasp Malakai Fekitoa try, converted by Colin Slade, handed the All Blacks a dramatic 29-28 victory in Brisbane – their last match before heading to the Northern Hemisphere for the autumn international series.
The All Blacks, who will host the British & Irish Lions in 2017, had seen their 22-game unbeaten run ended by South Africa earlier this month and narrowly prevented back-to-back defeats.
But Hansen’s mood was dampened after the whistle when McKenzie, who took charge of the Australian national side following their series defeat to the Lions last summer, revealed his resignation.
“It's sad to hear that and we take no joy out of that at all to be frank,” the New Zealand coach said.
“I'm not sure you group out there know how tough it is to coach an international side and I can tell you when things are going really good it's still bloody tough.
“They're playing good footy. We only beat them by a point.”
