Steve Hansen, New Zealand’s coach, has plenty of potential replacements for the suspended centre for the third Test against the British & Irish LionsNot long after Warren Gatland had named his British & Irish Lions squad in April Steve Hansen warned his compatriot against trying to replicate Ireland’s method of victory against the All Blacks in Chicago. It will be intriguing to hear if Gatland has any words of wisdom for his rival this week; to hear what he may think of New Zealand looking to bounce back from defeat in the same manner as against Ireland, a couple of weeks later in Dublin.This is not least because the suspension of Sonny Bill Williams means there is every chance Malakai...
The days of New Zealand going into mourning after any defeat are over – they see it as a chance for their team to grow and to come back strongerTwenty-three All Blacks woke with the strangest feelings on Sunday morning. It was not their aching bodies, the sprains, strains, and bruises, stiff shoulders, throbbing legs, sore chests – all that was familiar enough. They expect nothing less after a Test. But another, more novel, sensation, altogether more painful. Defeat.Their captain, Kieran Read, is about to play his 100th game. In the past 99, he has experienced this 11 times. His mate Sam Whitelock, who has won more caps at lock than any other All Black, has lost seven. Beauden Barrett,...
New Zealand coach remains respectful of dogged opponents but the truth remains that Warren Gatland’s Lions fell far short of requirements in AucklandIt’s an immutable truth that anyone who says “I don’t mean to brag” is about to do exactly that, just as the words “with the greatest respect” will surely be followed by anything but. Late on Saturday night Steve Hansen managed to use both, back-to-back, in his post-match press conference at Eden Park. Hansen was asked about his pack. He gave a good answer, spoke about how well they had played, and how their work was the foundation of everything his team had done. Then he paused, thought, and added: “You don’t become the No1 side for as...
The Lions coach has come in for criticism in his homeland yet knows his side must resist the All Blacks’ attempts to provoke an open game in the first TestHistory, ancient and modern, points to the Lions being outroared by New Zealand. The All Blacks warmed up for the series by amassing 78 points and 12 tries against Samoa. When asked what the Lions would need in Saturday’s first Test, the Samoa captain, Kahn Fotuali’i, replied: “Luck.”As well as tries, luck has largely eluded them so far. The loss of the No8 Billy Vunipola before the tour was compounded by the thigh injury suffered by Owen Farrell in training, a Lion the All Blacks would find space for. It would...