Rugby: Kirton backs selector concept

New All Black coach Steve Hansen. Photo / Greg Bowker

Former All Black Earle Kirton believes having an external selector would be beneficial for Steve Hansen.

The new All Blacks coach is set to reveal part of his coaching team this week, which will include a specialist selector, free of coaching duties.

Kirton, who had a similar selection role in the 1990s, rates the idea.

He says it will be valuable for Hansen to have an input from outside his coaching set-up.

Kirton believes a selector can often have less pressure on them than a coach.

He says the selector can act as a rover, going places a coach can't, as well as uncovering players for the future.

Kirton says an external selector can also play devil's advocate evaluating certain players.