OMNISPORT 

Rugby World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen is up for the challenge of overseeing an All Blacks rebuild, according to former New Zealand international Justin Marshall.

Hansen's future is uncertain after guiding New Zealand to a 34-17 win over trans-Tasman rivals Australia and a second consecutive World Cup title on Saturday.

The 56-year-old, who dismissed the prospect of coaching another team amid links to England, is out of contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in 2017 and has already admitted he is unlikely to be around for the next World Cup in four years' time.

Marshall, however, cannot see Hansen leaving anytime soon, even in the absence of retiring stars Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu and Tony Woodcock, while captain Richie McCaw is yet to decide his future.

Asked by Omnisport whether Hansen would be motivated to coach on, 81-time All Black Marshall said: "Yeah. I do. And I know Steve well.

"He coached me during the early stages of his career and he loves challenges.

"He's got challenges to replace those players and he has a British [and Irish] Lions team coming in 2017.

"So he has a rebuilding phase and exciting players to come through. He will certainly be looking forward to be coaching against the Lions.

"He will be extremely motivated for the next couple of years."

Justin Marshall was speaking in his role as a Land Rover ambassador.