New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen arrives for the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham in London, Britain October 31, 2015. REUTERS/Henry Browne
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has welcomed Patrick Tuipulotu's decision to sign a new contract with Rugby New Zealand through 2019 and expected the Auckland Blues lock to play a major part in their bid for a third consecutive World Cup title in Japan.
The 23-year-old, who has impressed at Super Rugby and international level since making his debut in 2014, was a strong contender for last year's World Cup squad but opted to have year-ending hip surgery in June to correct an issue that would have presented long-term health concerns.
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