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New Zealand aren't just the top rugby team in the world... they have also become utterly dominant when it comes to coaching international teams.

Wales probably didn't realise just what they were starting when they invited Graham Henry over as coach in 1998, but a trend was in place following his success.

Henry was followed into the Wales hot-seat by fellow Kiwi Steve Hansen, while Warren Gatland is the current man at the helm.

Watch Rob Howley talk about his ex boss Steve Hansen

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A look at the top 18 Test teams in the world shows the Welsh model is being followed in just about every corner of the globe.

No fewer than NINE of the jobs are held down by New Zealanders, from World Cup winning coach Hansen to Mark Anscombe, the Kiwi in charge of 18th placed Canada.

More:Warren Gatland v Steve Hansen

(Image: PA Wire)

The great names from Wales v New Zealand past

The next biggest contingent are the two Australians who coach the Wallabies (Michael Cheika) and Eddie Jones (England).

You have to go as low as eighth on the World Rugby rankings list before you find a European in charge of a side, France having appointed Guy Noves.

There isn't a single Englishman in sight, which may make some across the Severn Bridge raise eyebrows about the Red Rose coaching set-up.

There is a lone Welshman, though. Lynn Howells, assistant to Henry with Wales during the 1999 World Cup and former Pontypridd, Cardiff and Celtic Warriors boss, is these days in charge of Romania.

(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

He led them into battle during the World Cup just gone, Romania beating Canada but losing their other group games.

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THE TOP 18 LIST OF COACHES

1. New Zealand: Steve Hansen (NZ)

2. Australia: Michael Cheika (Australia)

3. South Africa: Allister Coetzee (SA)

4. England: Eddie Jones (Australia)

5. Wales: Warren Gatland (NZ)

6. Argentina: Daniel Houcarde (Arg)

7. Ireland: Joe Schmidt (New Zealand)

8. France: Guy Noves (France)

9. Scotland: Vern Cotter (New Zealand)

10. Japan: Jamie Joseph (New Zealand)

11. Fiji: John McKee (New Zealand)

12. Georgia: Milton Haig (New Zealand)

13. Tonga: Mana Otai (Tonga)

14. Italy: Conor O'Shea (Ireland)

15. Samoa: Alama Ieremia (Samoa)

16. Romania: Lynn Howells (Wales)

17. United States: John Mitchell (NZ)

18. Canada: Mark Anscombe (NZ)