Coach Steve Hansen plays down hype about All Blacks ahead of British & Irish Lions test
World champions New Zealand demolish Samoa 78-0 ahead of next week’s first meeting against the tourists
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen warned not to draw any conclusions about their comprehensive 78-0 thrashing of Samoa as his world champions set their sights on the British & Irish Lions.
It was a stunning performance by the All Blacks after a slow start as they pounded Samoa with speed, accuracy, and daring passes.
It had British journalists using words such as “imperious” and “ominous” to describe the All Blacks.
The All Blacks feasted on 12 tries as they played by “instinct”, according to Hansen who added the real treat would come next week when they face the Lions in the first test.
“Éveryone’s been waiting for this moment,” he said. “It’s like you’ve been given chocolates and you’ve unwrapped them and your allowed to eat them. That’s the best part. That’s the point we’re at.”
Hansen sees the Lions as a much more formidable opponent than the Samoan side brought together for the All Blacks’ dress rehearsal before facing the cream of British and Irish playing talent.
