All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has indicated that he plans to call on his "old mates" Graham Henry and Wayne Smith for advice during his tenure in charge of New Zealand.

Hansen, Henry and Smith were fondly dubbed the 'Three Wise Men' in New Zealand, following the success the enjoyed as the All Blacks coaching staff for 120 Test matches between them.

"The communication lines won't be cut off, and nor will Wayne Smith's," Hansen told stuff.co.nz

"Both are excellent coaches and they are people I will converse with a lot. Both men have been in the forest and, now they are sitting back outside of it, can give another point of view."

Hansen has admitted that if Smith, currently an assistant coach at the Chiefs, was bough by England it would be a massive shame.

The Kiwi boss also criticised England's financial muscle and suggested they spend their money on their own people rather than investing in New Zealand's talent.

"It (to lose Smith) would be a huge loss to New Zealand rugby," he said.

"Wayne is one of the great coaches of all time.

"England have a lot of money but hopefully we don't lose him. And hopefully England, for once, have a look at their own backyard and instead of spending all that money on our players and our coaches, they actually spend it on their own people."

Hansen has also backed former All Black boss Henry to be knighted for his services to the game in a remarkably successful career.

Henry is rumoured to be in contention for the honour of a knighthood in the near future.

"It sounds pretty good to me," Hansen said, although he admitted he wouldn't use the prestigious title on his old mate.

"We never called Brian Lochore Sir Brian and nor did he want to be. But if he (Henry or 'Ted') does get knighted it will be well deserved.

"He has done a magnificent job for New Zealand."