All Blacks vulnerable' - Hansen

ex Rugby NZ Herald'All Blacks vulnerable' - Hansen2016-05-29 20:48SHARE THISSteve Hansen (Gallo Images)Related Links

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Cape Town - New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen believes that the All Blacks are set to relinquish their dominance on the world stage after naming his first squad of the year to take on Wales in Auckland on June 11.

Hansen has selected a mix of youth and experience with six uncapped players being included in his 32-man squad.

The 2015 World Cup-winning coach told AAP that due to his side's status they will need to take their game to another level, after losing Mccaw at the breakdown.

"A lot of teams and various people around the world probably believe we're  vulnerable and to that I can assure you that's is our mindset," said Hansen.

"Our mindset is not one of rebuilding but one of re-establishing. Our challenge is taking this team to where we left off at the World Cup."

Hansen added that it was now time for a new breed of All Black stars to shine on the world stage.

"We have chopped down a few trees who have cast some fairly large shadows for a long time and I believe when you do that the grass grows," he added.

"We're well aware that what we did yesterday will not be enough for today, so we'll be looking to raise the bar to an even higher level from where we've been.

"This is our challenge - one, I must say, we're really looking forward to getting stuck into."

The challenge of a team that has achieved such positive results (without the assistance of the refs) is how to stay sharp & keep improving. Plus, of course ABs, like other teams, have had turnover with players leaving & others arriving. 
Hansen as usual hits the right tone.

Very much still the team to beat. The Aussies, Boks and the English will give the AB's a good challenge , but with the talent at their disposal and a great coach, I don't see the AB's losing the no.1 spot anytime soon. 

The AB bench is going to be outstanding & that will be a factor. Plus, the ABs will get SBW back after the Olympics so this will help strengthen a potential weakness in the backs. 
Nevertheless at test level the margin of wining & losing can be very small & even get down to a critical play so the ABs are vulnerable like any other test team. Why would we bother watching the games if there wasn't tension & doubt about the outcome?
Of course we can always rely on the ref... don't tell Beeno though