The All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen is shying away from discussing the possibility of coaching the Highlanders in next year's Super 15.
Hansen's been linked to the vacant coaching role and All Blacks coach Graham Henry admitted last week there was some foundation to the speculation.
With a restricted international programme next year ahead of the world cup, Henry wants his assistants, Hansen and Wayne Smith keeping in touch with the players and indicated Hansen taking on the role would make sense.
But Hansen was reticent to discuss the matter today, as the All Blacks came into camp for the tri nations tournament.
He said he had not so far applied for the Highlanders roel nor talked with the franchise about the job.
