Steve Hansen says it is 'likely' he will not remain in charge of the All Blacks after 2017

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says he still thinks he will leave his post in 2017, after the Lions tour of New Zealand.

Hansen took over from Graham Henry in 2011 and guided the All Blacks to World Cup glory on Saturday at Twickenham, a 34-17 win over Australia making them the first team ever to successfully defend their title.

However, Hansen does not think he will stay on to oversee the bid for an amazing third straight World Cup triumph in 2019.

"There's a reason why the contract only lasts until 2017," he said. "Because I'm not sure about that (his future).

"I wouldn't say 'no' but I'm certainly not saying 'yes' either. You only get 10 years for murder back home!

"I like the idea of changing the guard halfway through a cycle which has a World Cup in the middle of it.

"I think when people come in, it is easy to get some really dramatic shift early on, and it's a lot harder to keep that momentum going.

"Also, for a long time, we have put everything on the World Cup as the centre but, unless you've got real strength of character, you can be tricked into making decisions which are right for your survival, as opposed to what is right for the team.

"I would probably say it is more likely that I won't be there after 2017. It's been a good trip so far and we've just got to finish it off."