Henshaw disputes Gatland claims All Blacks bruising approach is too much

Ireland back Robbie Henshaw has disputed his Lions coach Warren Gatland’s claims the All Blacks have gone over the edge.

New Zealand Steve Hansen called a radio station to brand British and Irish Lions head coach Gatland “desperate” for demanding referees hand scrum half Conor Murray greater protection when he is kicking.

Gatland claimed the All Blacks targeted Murray’s standing leg when boxkicking in the Lions’ 30-15 first Test defeat on Saturday, claims which so incensed Hansen he called into a radio show to respond.

Henshaw, pictured, was knocked unconscious by Sam Cane’s head-high shoulder charge in Ireland’s 21-9 loss to New Zealand in Dublin on November 19 last year, but still remains convinced the All Blacks toe the disciplinary line.

“We know how physical they are as a team, and it’s Test rugby,” said Ireland centre Henshaw. “For us also, physicality is one of the fundamental components in rugby. Everyone uses it in abundance.

“I don’t think New Zealand take it too far, sometimes in the moment people may get their entry wrong, stick out an arm and hit someone high, but it’s not intentional and people make mistakes.

“It’s down to the officials what happens on the pitch, and what needs to be taken care of.”

Hansen was furious with the claims and said: “It’s really disappointing to hear it, because what

he’s implying is we’re going out there to intentionally injure somebody and that’s not the case. I guess he might be a bit desperate.”

Henshaw was put out of commission by flanker Cane’s high shoulder hit when Ireland were downed by New Zealand in the second of two November Tests.

Cane was disciplined with a penalty in a match refereed by South African Jaco Peyper, the man who officiated Saturday’s first Test in Auckland.

But Leinster and Ireland midfielder Henshaw remains unfazed by New Zealand’s bullish approach.

Asked if the Lions can add extra protection when Murray lines up a box kick, Henshaw said: “Not necessarily, because if we came in to block we’d give a penalty away.

“All we can do is stand our ground.

“If the player is clearly going for a block down and going for the ball, and he follows through and hits the player that’s not his fault.

“But if he’s nowhere near the ball and he’s hit our player off the ball, it needs to be looked at. The referees might look at it in detail and see but at the moment we’re all right about it. We know teams are going after our key players to put them under pressure and to try to shut them down.”

Henshaw will start at inside centre for today’s Hurricanes match in Wellington, where he will try to force his way into Gatland’s plans for Saturday’s second Test.

The 24-year-old insisted the Lions have taken solace from Elliot Daly and Liam Williams producing fine performances in the 34-6 Chiefs win to catapult themselves into the Test team.

“There were definitely a few shocks when the team was read out, and Liam Williams and Elliot Daly had brilliant games,” said Henshaw.

“People were shocked to see them play four days later but that’s the reality of a Lions tour.

“If you stand out and play well you will be looked at and maybe chosen.”