World Cup-winners New Zealand will name their new coach on Friday with current assistant coach Steve Hansen the overwhelming favourite for the position.
The announcement of the All Blacks coach and his assistants has been keenly anticipated since Graham Henry stepped down on November 1, nine days after leading New Zealand to victory in Auckland.
Hansen is expected to be named alongside former Chiefs coach Ian Foster and ex-Canterbury handler Aussie McLean, although there have been concerns that the pair lack international experience.
Other coaches thought to have an outside chance of getting the job include Clermont boss Vern Cotter and Leinster coach Joe Schmidt who have worked together in the past as a combination at Bay of Plenty.
Hansen has been tipped to succeed Henry after helping him guide the All Blacks to World Cup glory by a single point in October's gripping final against France and the only uncertainty is over the length of the contract he is offered.
But the incoming coach will have a tough act to follow after New Zealand won 88 Tests out of 103 under Henry, claimed five Tri-Nations titles and achieved three Grand Slams.
AFP
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