ABs send ‘message’

New Zealand’s convincing victory over Samoa on Friday night has “sent a daunting message” to the touring British and Irish Lions.

That’s been the reaction in UK media reports of the team’s 78-0 thrashing of the Pacific Island nation at Eden Park, ahead of their first clash with the Lions on Saturday.

“There was plenty for the Lions to take note of, especially the control of the All Blacks forwards at the set piece and the audacious offloads. When there was the merest hint of a counter-attack opportunity, the All Blacks struck hard,” the says.

The Guardian said the All Blacks were “at their sublime best”.

“Steve Hansen’s side were imperious in attack, and appear in excellent shape before the first test against the Lions next weekend,” Charlie Morgan of the Telegraph reported.

“A solid scrum and lineout represented other positives, while lock Brodie Retallick was immense.”

All Blacks coach Hansen was confident after the match, telling media Lions coach Warren Gatland was “starting to run out of time” to get the Lions ready for the upcoming game.

“We’re sitting here, we’ve finished for the weekend, we’ve come out with no injuries, so we get to sit down and get really excited about what’s ahead of us.”

However, the All Blacks themselves have “still got a lot of work to do”, he said.

He is entitled to his opinion but he doesn’t know what is going on inside the camp. George Kruis on Steve Hansen