Steve Hansen. Photo / Getty Images
All Black coach Steve Hansen has accused players who give up their All Black dream to play for other countries of lacking "mental fortitude".
A glut of New Zealand-born and developed players - many of whom were on the verge of All Black selection- are expected to be capped by
overseas nations this year, while foreign predators continue to raid in search of Kiwis they can convert.
The loss of second-tier players to foreign recruitment programmes that force them to sign their allegiance to that nation has reached alarming levels, says Hansen.
While he can't understand the long-term motives of the poachers, his frustration lies more with the young men who he says give up too easily in their dreams.
"It is frustrating and it is disappointing," he says. "Players here have a dream of playing for the All Blacks and then they suddenly give it up when an easier option comes along.
