abfixit says...

S Hansen's comments are not big-headed. All he said were facts and the most common word he used was "we".

Posted 12:34 27th August 2012

golden_statenba says...

@Rogidez

Dont forget Hansen was a big part of the Henry era. In fact he was in charge of the forwards which are a big part of why the ABs are playing so well. He also did not do to bad with an average welsh team. He still has to come up with game plans etc.

I really like the pumas and the way they played against SA but I don't think los Puma will get underneath the ABs skin as much as they did against SA.

Posted 11:34 27th August 2012

three6three6 says...

The All Blacks are in another class from any other team in world rugby at the moment. Their team is full of world class players - the best No7 and captain in the game; the greatest flyhalf half (Carter) the game has seen is the leading all time test points scorer (including 29 test tries). Elsewhere, there is Reid at No.8, probably the best in the world¿. and the world two best centres in Nonu and Williams (C. Smith world ranked); Israel Dagg at full back... then there is Messam and Vito, the All Blacks have real depth in the loose forwards. They have so many world class wingers Kahui, Jane, Savea, Gear, and the list goes on. Smith at scrum half has the fastest and most accurate pass that I have seen for a while¿. which enables the All Blacks to play at pace with a lot of width. The tight five is one of the best in the world with only the Bokke coming close to them in that area of the game. What is great for world rugby is that the All Blacks are finally RWC Champions and fully justifying their world number one ranking. But what really separates the All Blacks from the rest is the skill level of their players with ball in hand from hooker to fullback. It will be interesting to see if any team can beat the All Blacks.

The Wallabies should not be too hard on themselves ¿ they are simply not at the same level as the All Blacks. They would perform better with Pocock and Horwill in the pack but they would still struggle to win. The Bokke v All Blacks will be eagerly awaited by all rugby enthusiasts. What really does set this All Black team apart is consistency!

Posted 10:56 27th August 2012

hayj05 says...

@Waz4before & georgesmith - Settle down guys, the title is misleading.

Nothing he said suggests to me that he is getting ahead of himself. He's simply giving an assessment on their performances so far.

Posted 09:46 27th August 2012

sandal says...

Hansen says:

""One more pass would have been nice or hanging on to a pass and having one more ruck would have been good but we've got a really skilful unit and it's about learning to play together and learning to be patient at times.""

Like a lot of people, I have been highly critical of the All Blacks for failing to take so many points because of mistakes at the last moment. But it occurs to me that, for the most part, other nations could only dream about making such mistakes, especially so many of them.

I cannot think of another team that would have created as many chances as the All Blacks on Saturday night. Their very mistakes, therefore, set them apart as a superior team at the moment.

Posted 03:10 27th August 2012

turmeric says...

@golden_statenba Halai playing wing for Couties in the ITM cup. Not sure you will see him as a draw and pass type player, but under Umaga at Counties I think you will see him get a Super Rugby contract for next season. Tough ask though for NZ wingers to make the ABs though as there are so many other guys around!!

Posted 00:58 27th August 2012

ManWarrior says...

@new_ja - you'd be surprised how effective prayer is...any ways, your derogatory statement aside, I agree with you, sort our administration out (I.e coach etc) and we will take our rightful place and the mighty boks on top of the pile. I thought HM might of been that guy but Saturday's game says different. PS: new_Ja, I stay in Cape Town if you'd like to join me for a "prayer" session...Go Bokke!

Posted 22:22 26th August 2012

georgesmith says...

ABs and S. Hansen talking big now. Beware! On the day, both Springboks and Pumas can beat ABs. Last two games, it's not that ABs were really invincible but more like Walllabies were Wobbly and hopeless. A solid game plan like the second Test against the Irish, ruthlessly committed player and a coach with a tactical nouse, may well bring S. Hansen and the ABs down.

Posted 22:07 26th August 2012

porridge_time says...

Ben Smith is a very talented utility back, who was consistenly the best back for the Highlanders. Each time he has came on for the ABs he has done well. The loss of SBW will be big, but they still Nonu to move back to 12 when Conrad Smith is fit.

What New Zealand have is quality players comming through from their schools and rugby academies.

They have already kicked on from the world cup something that previous winners have struggled to do.

Posted 20:28 26th August 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

I wonder if the Welsh still think they're the best in the world, or thereabouts. The Irish must feel a bit better.

Posted 19:06 26th August 2012