All Blacks
Skipper wants a drop goal
Tokyo
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen aimed a cheeky dig at Wales yesterday when he said this week’s thirdplace play-off would be like a final for the Six Nations champions.
Hansen, who steps down following tomorrow’s game in Tokyo after seven years in the All Blacks hot seat, admitted he was still feeling the effects of New Zealand’s “car crash” semifinal defeat by England as he made seven changes to his side.
“A lot of people might be saying there’s not a lot on it and they could throw the ball around,” he said.
“I think there is a lot on it. For them it would be like winning the World Cup if they win this one, maybe.”
Hansen compared last weekend’s stinging 19-7 defeat by England – their first World Cup loss in 12 years – to losing a loved one.
“This is the first time I’ve had to do this,” said Hansen ahead of a game that will offer little consolation to the All Blacks, who have won 31 of their 34 meetings with Wales, last losing in 1953.
“They (England) played better than us. You can talk about it all you like but you only know what it’s like when you suffer it.
“I don’t want to compare rugby to death but it’s like someone losing a family member to a car crash.”
Hansen, however, brought in
Ben Smith, a bit-part player here, on the right wing with Rieko Ioane on the left, while Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty make up a formidable centre combo.
He stuck with his first-choice half-back combination of Richie Mo’unga and Aaron Smith.
However, Dane Coles replaces Codie Taylor at hooker, Sam Cane returns at openside flanker and Shannon Frizell comes in at blindside for Scott Barrett, who resumes his more accustomed role in the second row.
“It’s a good backline,” said Hansen, who includes six players who started the 2015 World Cup final. –