Thierry Dusautoir one of the best flankers of all time.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen believes that Thierry Dusautoir will go down in history as one of the best flankers of all time.

Hinting that the French captain had been overshadowed by Richie McCaw throughout his career, Hansen was full of praise for Dusautoir.

"He is one of the great players of all time,” Hansen said.

"If there wasn't a certain Richie McCaw running around during that same period, Dusautoir would probably be seen as the guy who has played the best rugby in that position over a long period of time.

"He is calculated, cool under pressure and has a smart rugby brain on him. He is also a good man and a good character who plays the game in the right spirit. 

"He is a great ambassador for French rugby.”