Worry is a wasted emotion - Hansen not concerned by Lions challenge

Steve Hansen has dismissed the notion that he and his New Zealand side are worried about facing the British and Irish Lions.

Touring boss Warren Gatland suggested Hansen was "a little bit worried" after the Lions thrashed the Maori All Blacks at the weekend.

But, ahead of the first Test in Auckland on Saturday, Hansen described worry as a "wasted emotion".

Asked how he was feeling as the series opener draws closer, the All Blacks coach said: "Pretty cool, calm and excited.

"You guys that know me know that I'll tell you all the time that worry is a wasted emotion. It's a wasted emotion because if the thing you're worrying about happens, you need to fix it.

"So there's no point worrying about it. And if it hasn't happened, you plan so you don't have to worry about it.

"But, yes, it was good feedback from Warren, I appreciate it."

Hansen recognises that winning the opening contest of the three-Test series could prove vital, but he will not panic if the result goes against the hosts.

"I think it's pretty important for both of us," he said. "There's nowhere to hide, is there? It's advantage to the team that wins the first one, but there's still two more to go after that and there's been plenty of occasions in sport where people have come from behind to win.

"So it's not the end of the world, but, as you say, it does give you momentum and as long as you keep your feet on the floor and don't get overexcited about doing something once, you're in the contest aren't you? It's not the end of the world if you don't."