Hansen slams ‘desperate’ Gatland in row over dirty play

ALL BLACKS boss Steve Hansen today branded Warren Gatland as “predictable” and “desperate” after his Lions counterpart accused the world champions of a dangerous approach to shutting down scrum-half Conor Murray.

Following the Lions’ 30-15 loss to the All Blacks in the First Test, Gatland claimed: “There was a charge down when someone dived at his legs which I thought was a little bit dangerous.”

It was suggested a Kiwi forward acted recklessly as Irishman Murray attempted to launch one of his trademark box-kicks during Saturday’s match at Eden Park.

Today, Hansen called up Radio Sport NZ to have his say. He stated: “It’s predictable comments from Gatland, isn’t it? Two weeks ago we cheated in the scrums and last week it was blocking and now he’s saying this. It’s really, really disappointing to hear because what he’s implying is we’re intentionally going out to injure somebody.

“That’s not the case. We’ve never been like that and as a New Zealander I’d expect him to know the New Zealand psyche. It’s not about intentionally trying to hurt anybody, it’s about playing hard and fair.”

Hansen said Gatland “might be a bit desperate,” after these comments come hot on the heels of the Lions succumbing to a physically-superior and very direct All Blacks team.

The All Blacks head coach said: “He’s implying that we’re trying to hurt the guy. Rugby is about playing within the laws and in this