Steve Hansen sent his team out to war. They put the hurt on Ireland but showed some signs of attacking brilliance. Mostly, they brought the hurt.
You may not agree with the All Blacks’ tactics – anything and everything goes to prevent a try – but they got the job done.
After the match, which his team won 21-9, Hansen was not overly keen answering questions about his team’s high hits, yellow cards and concession of deliberate penalties.
First up, Hansen had to go through RTÉ’s Clare McNanamara. On four occasions, McNamara questioned the physicality of Hansen’s men.
After trying to move the conversation on, Hansen snapped:
“Do you want me to tell you we’re a dirty side or something? Is that what you’re saying?”
The full, awkward exchange is worth a watch.
Steve Hansen gives his post-match verdict to @rterugby: “Do you want me tell you we’re a dirty side?” https://t.co/pb0YIIqZd7
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 19, 2016
Out of the frying pan, into the post-match press briefing. Once again, Hansen was asked about his team’s questionable tackles and, once again, he was not happy.
“Can’t argue with the decisions,” he replied when asked about two of his men being sent to the sin-bin.
Asked if he was going to talk to his players about high tackles, he responded with one words – “Yes”.
“The referee had a tough game and did the best he could,” Hansen continued. “If I said any more, I would get fined.”
Sometimes you can be a sore winner too.
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