(no subject)

 

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand coach Steve Hansen hit out at those who doubted his selection of returning skipper Richie McCaw and the quality of flyhalf Aaron Cruden after the All Blacks hammered Australia 47-29 at Sydney's Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

Before addressing the inevitable questions about how to manage complacency after such a thumping victory to open their Rugby Championship title defence, the former Wales coach felt the need to make a few points to the news conference.

Firstly, he addressed those who had questioned his wisdom in starting openside flanker McCaw so soon after the All Blacks captain had returned from a six-month sabbatical.

Although not perhaps at his very best, the 32-year-old played 72 minutes, scored his 20th test try and was the usual thorn in the side of the Australians at the breakdown.

"For Richie to come back after having the break and everyone doubting him, to get through the 70 minutes like he did just shows the character of the bloke once again, so hopefully there won't be any more doubters," he said.

He followed up by heaping praise on flyhalf Cruden, who scored a try and 13 points from the kicking tee but most importantly ran the All Blacks attack with aplomb in place of the injured Dan Carter.

"People have questioned Aaron Cruden at times at this level and I think he showed tonight that he's a true international player of world class ability and he led the team very well," Hansen said.

Then it was back to the World Cup winning veterans with dreadlocked centre Ma'a Nonu receiving the plaudits after a typically rampaging performance in midfield in his 80th test.

"Ma'a Nonu struggled all week with an ankle injury and probably played one of his better games for the All Blacks and he's had some good ones," said Hansen.

The final words of Hansen's statement were reserved for a player all but forced upon him by the late withdrawal of blindside flanker Liam Messum through injury - Steven Luatua.

"Last but not least, a young man who came into the side with five minutes to go at training on Thursday and played his first full international," Hansen said.

"I thought Steven Luatua was quite outstanding in his performance."

McCaw, who gave up a couple of early penalties and fumbled one pass early in his 117th test, said he had enjoyed being back in international rugby after missing the three-match series against France in June.

"I was just excited to be out there and run around," he said.

"The first 20 minutes I was a bit over-eager at times but I settled into it. But it was good fun to be involved again."

Hansen said the All Blacks had injury concerns over lock Luke Romano (groin) and Cruden (knee) and that Messum would not be fit for the return test against Australia in Wellington next weekend.

Brycy Just a few observations from an objective - but critical person. There was one thing I did not like in McCaw's performance - it was the penalties given away by him. He will be in for some real problems if that tendency is not removed sooner rather than later.. More discipline on his part would be a good thing. Then as to Romano - it is a loss - because the All Blacks line out play yesterday was a shambles. Romano could have helped because Retallick is a useless line out jumper and Sam Whitelock did not perform up to standard. Retallick has a history of poor line out play6 so what can be done about it - beats me. Cruden was a stand-in player in any event - since they are going to play Dan Carter in any event. An=d Nessam was not missed - Luatua did better than he would have done. Quite happy to have Luatua around - as he is one of my favourites in fabtasy seletion.

not so clever mike,,,i think you mean Cruden was a stand out player instead of a standin player but we're all used to yr typos mate.

 

In fact Cruden was the man of the match. If you watch just the first three minutes of the game he almost scored three times setting up Smith in the corner in the third minute instead.

Awesome charge down try from him came next also slotting some great conversions from out wide.

So he's like walking on water at the moment and undoubtedly the Number 1 standoff in world rugby - cementing himself as top standoff as Carter by his own admission can no longer sustain the rigours of the game and needs a rest.

 

King Richie was also inspirational after having so much time off and then slotting straight back in seamlessly is only testament to what a legend he is. Icing on the cake scoring in the corner like the pro he is. Without him the ABs would be a ship without a rudder .

 

I agree about Luatua having an awesome test and the beauty about Luatua is that he also plays lock.

How good is that having loosies that also play lock?

 Brycy I know you dont say much but at least tell us what you will be saying little about by giving a heading?

"Although not perhaps at his very best, the 32-year-old played 72 minutes, scored his 20th test try and was the usual thorn in the side of the Australians at the breakdown".

Now brycy this is about as much criticism this poor oke writing in a nz newspaper dared say about how bog ordinary and piss poor wee mcaaaw was. I am sure giivng Oz penalties at the breakdown hardly made him a thorn in anyones sides but the abs! Bwahahahahahhahahaha

Bean Brain my bad but i knew curiosity would get the better of you.

Would've helped if you'd seen the game but by the looks of your comments you were in lala land as usual...

... but if you really need a heading then here's one just for hopeless doubters like you.....

 

Happy Hansen hits out

 

 at McCaw, Cruden doubters....