Hansen satisfied... but expects more next week

ALL Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was satisfied with an improved performance from his side as they wrapped up the series against Wales in Wellington.

Ominously for Wales, however, Hansen insisted he was looking for far more from his men next weeken d in the final Test of the series in Dunedin.

“(We had) a lot more cohesiveness and intensity in the hit, this week” said Hansen.

“There were a lot more dominant tackles than there were last week, although we didn’t get many rewards for getting over the ball.

“There was a lot more clarity about what we were trying to do.

“We scored five good tries so we have to be happy about our attack play and we defended well for long periods of time.

“Our lineout was a lot better and we managed to put pressure on their ball.

“They resorted to having to throw people on the ground and we scored two set-piece tries from scrum situations.”

“I think we had them under pressure but we either dropped the ball or threw a loose ball or made a poor decision,” added Hansen.

“It was about creating pressure and keeping it on for long enough to take advantage of.”

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles said much the same thing, saying that possession was key to the home side stepping up the pressure.

“We talked at half-time about holding onto the ball, respecting it, being direct and, when we did that, we got the rewards,” he said.

“We had to earn the right to score. We want to play with quick ball so we have to react (to the breakdown) a bit quicker and better than we did at times.”

Hansen also confirmed Aaron Cruden had been cleared of any serious injury after being stretchered off during the opening half after suffering a neck injury to be replaced by Beauden Barrett, who yet again proved to be a real thorn in Wales’ side.

“Doc (Mayhew) has been in touch and it sounds like he’s going to be OK,” said Hansen.

“They’re just doing a few other precautionary things at the moment, but the word is he’s pretty good and it’s not too serious.”