Welsh support for Hansen

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has received a vote of confidence from Wales after his appointment to the New Zealand rugby hot seat.

Hansen, who started his international coaching career with Wales and took them to the 2003 Rugby World Cup before returning to New Zealand as part of Graham Henry's team in 2004, was the 'perfect man' for the appointment according to Welsh loose forward Martyn Williams.

Williams, who said Hansen had reinvigorated his regard for rugby during his two and a half years in Wales, was delighted with his appointment.

"This is brilliant for Steve, I think he's the perfect man for the job," Williams told the Western Mail.

"For a few of my generation, certainly for myself, he turned a lot of our careers around when he was here in Wales.

"I think he's serve his apprenticeship having done the Wales job and then been in the wings with Graham Henry for such a long time.

"He's waited his opportunity, but it's been worth it for him."

Williams said he had been surprised when Hansen left Wales to be only an assistant because he had been such a dominant figure with the Welsh.

"I found it hard to view him as an assistant.

"I wouldn't have any qualms about him stepping up, I'm sure he's going to be a big success," Williams said.