As focus shifts to the Wallabies

he said after the hitout.

‘‘I wanted the guys to get a good run. Some of them haven’t played for a while and it’s always difficult getting back into international rugby without a game under your belt.’’

Hansen got a sighter of Damian McKenzie running at No 10 against Counties, and also pushed a few players out of their comfort zones as he looked to spread the load, with TJ Perenara logging some time at fullback and Ardie Savea out on the wing.

Wing Rieko Ioane, with a try in each game, also looked good after an extended break, while young props Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Nepo Laulala got some valuable time under their belts playing alongside Coles up front.

‘‘Nepo and Ofa haven’t had too much rugby together, so it was good to scrum with them. We caused a bit of havoc at scrum time, and it was just good to get those combinations going,’’ added Coles.

With Laulala a strong chance to slot straight in as backup tighthead for the Bledisloe opener (with Charlie Faumuina now departed), Coles did not envisage any issues on that front.

‘‘He’s a great scrummager, and it’s just getting used to how he scrums. He’s a world-class player and whatever happens next week I’m sure he’ll be ready to go if he gets a chance.’’

But Coles did indicate that the focus would need to quickly change from the laidback atmosphere of a loosener against provincial opposition to a highly motivated Wallabies side that has had an extended buildup for Bledisloe I in Sydney next Saturday night.

‘‘It’s not going be that easy next week, that’s for sure,’’ said the hooker, who only returned to action for the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby playoff run after a long break while he dealt with head troubles.

‘‘We threw the ball around and got some good tries, but I’m sure there will be plenty more hard work that has to go into next week to get a performance we can be proud of.

‘‘It’s going to be a big week for sure and we’ve got to really step it up.’’

The All Blacks leave for Sydney today.