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AUCKLAND. — All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said yesterday that he expects South Africa to remain competitive under new mentor Allister Coetzee, even though the former Stormers boss faces a “tough environment” at the Springboks.

Hansen, who forged a close friendship with Coetzee’s predecessor Heyneke Meyer, said he rated the newcomer’s ability as a rugby coach.

“I rated the last bloke (Meyer) too, but it’s a very tough environment that they’re operating in over there,” he told Radio Sport.

“That environment hasn’t changed, so it’ll be just as tough for (Coetzee). He’s a good coach . . . he deserves to be there.”

Coetzee’s main challenge at the helm of the two-time world champions is to field a team at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan that is 50 percent black.

Hansen, who guided the All Blacks World Cup glory last year, said every national coach’s role involved politics but the situation in South Africa was unique.

“What is different for him is that they’ve got a quota system and sometimes I think that means they’re not picking the best players they can,” he said. — AFP.