Steve Hansen takes fresh digs at Warren Gatland and British & Irish Lions
New Zealand boss steps up the mind games as first test against tourists looms
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen took a swipe at the British & Irish Lions on Thursday, saying they had split into two squads and were about to call for reinforcements as the first test looms.
The Lions have lost both of their midweek games so far on tour, against the Auckland Blues and Otago Highlanders, and won on the weekends against a Barbarians team and the Canterbury Crusaders.
“There is a clear difference between the two teams, the Wednesday team and the Saturday team.” Hansen said. “There is definitely a difference between the two squads in the way they’re performing.”
Lions coach Warren Gatland has 40 players already on tour and has heavily rotated his sides, ensuring each member of his party is given game time before the three-test series against world champions New Zealand.
“I think he is about to bring a few extra players out to give himself the ability to play two squads,” continued Hansen. “He’s at the stage where he wants to do that.”
Hansen was speaking on the eve of the All Blacks’ dress rehearsal against Samoa, part of a Pacific double-header in Auckland with Tonga also facing Wales.