Hansen hints at why the All Blacks lost final Bledisloe match
Steve Hansen remains content in his New Zealand squad despite Saturday's 23-18 defeat to arch-rivals Australia at Suncorp Stadium.
The All Blacks lost to the Wallabies for the first time in eight games in Brisbane as the hosts made the most of sodden conditions to give Stephen Moore a winning send-off in his final Test on home soil.
Beauden Barrett was a sorely felt loss for New Zealand, with replacement fly-half Lima Sopoaga failing to bring the same verve in the playmaker position.
But Hansen will not be looking for fresh options when his side tour the northern hemisphere next month, insisting the defeat does nothing to alter his plans.
"I probably could have told you the touring squad before tonight, and it hasn't changed," Hansen told reporters.
On the reasons for the defeat, he added: "There were a few things I could put my finger on but I won't talk about them here.
"We will talk about them when we are sitting around video footage as a team.
"But if a team doesn't click between your forwards and your backs, which we didn't tonight, I think we really struggled.
"There's a lot guys - that is their first loss in the All Blacks jersey.
"It's an experience that you just don't wash away, you take the time to absorb it and learn the lessons from it."
New Zealand will take on the Barbarians, France, Scotland and Wales in November.
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Dear Ben Smith you are a genius! God please become the next all blacks coach that can take on the mighty BOKS. Your rugby acumen is second to none - imagine your dads sperm bounced as unfortunately as that oval ball did….we would not be blessed with your presence. Just as the all blacks were missing a man you too are missing a chromosome for 80% of your life, so your insights are not only profound but ring true from your own experiences. Just as the TMO interfered with citing an illegal pass I am sure your local authorities interfere with your illegal passes you make on women - How dare they!!! God forbid that rugby be officiated fairly. You are the right man for the job. Next all blacks coach is here ladies and gentlemen Miss Ben Smith (He/She/They/IT)
Go to commentsHuge engine this guy and great to see him back ..The amount of clean outs he does at the ruck are ridiculous !!
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