STEVE Hansen (pictured) has received widespread backing as he takes up the reins as Wales' new full-time coach against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium today.

He has still to sign the deal which would take up him through next year's World Cup to the end of the following season.

But recovery from the Twickenham mauling a fortnight ago with victory against the Scots would surely concentrate Hansen's mind and lead to the contract being signed next week.

The WRU general committee voted overwhelmingly to appoint New Zealander Hansen as Wales coach in succession to fellow Kiwi Graham Henry.

And the man once hailed as the Great Redeemer led the tributes to Hansen.

"I'm delighted, I rate him very highly," said Henry as he arrived at the stadium yesterday. "He's very well thought of in New Zealand where he served a long apprenticeship and came through the grades as coach.

"But it will take time and people need to be patient, I hope the Welsh media and public realise that."

Wales team manager Alan Phillips insists they have got the right man.

"He's the man to take us through the difficult times ahead," said Phillips with one eye on tomorrow's extraordinary meeting.

WRU chairman Glanmor Griffiths also gave Hansen his backing.

"He's hugely respected by the players and management," he said. "We regard him as one of the best coaches in the world and reports from New Zealand say we are fortunate to have a coach of his calibre."