Steve Hansen - one last hurrah.

By Duncan Bech, PA Sport

New Zealand-born Steve Hansen has perhaps the most to prove during the 2004 Six Nations.

His contract expires after the tournament and he has decided to return home, giving him one last chance to finally silence his critics.

Wales' performances during the World Cup have already gone some way to proving that the dour Kiwi's coaching credentials were a little stronger than many had thought.

Last year he was crucified by the Welsh press and public for his insistence that performances were more important than results. It was his philosophy that if Wales concentrated on playing quality rugby, then the victories would take care of themselves.

The problem was, Wales tumbled from defeat to defeat as fans became desperate for a win, no matter how it was achieved.

The mauling by Italy in Rome during the last Six Nations was perhaps their lowest ebb, although it would have had stiff opposition in Paris six weeks later when Wales collapsed to their first tournament whitewash since 1995.

It is hard to suggest the Red Dragon underachieved as without the likes of Rob Howley and Scott Quinnell, they did not have a single world-class player in their ranks.

This point was lost on supporters and media alike, however, as Hansen came under immense pressure to resign and it is to his credit that he held firm.

Wales then performed well above expectations at the World Cup. Their shadow side went close to upsetting the vaunted All Blacks and they pushed England mightily close in the quarter-finals.

Result? Optimism shrouds Welsh rugby once again and there is the realisation that perhaps Hansen is not such a bad coach after all. A few good results over the next couple of months and they might even miss him once he has gone.