Hansen surprised at domination
Hansen admitted that he did not expect his All Blacks to be so dominant this year after losing several stars, including legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, after winning the World Cup 11 months ago.
Hansen said he knew he had some talented newcomers in his squad this year but was concerned whether they could fill the void created by losing more than 800 caps worth of experience following the World Cup.
"The thing we lost most was experience and the thing I'm most pleased with is how Reado [Kieran Read] has stepped up to the plate. His leadership group have stepped up to the plate and taken over and probably gone to another level," Hansen said.
The All Blacks runaway success this year has been attributed to New Zealand's policy of always grooming understudies, paving the way for a near-seamless transition from a World Cup squad to a rebuilding unit.
Hansen made it clear that the policy will continue with the Championship already wrapped up and he is likely to bring in new blood for the remaining two games away to Argentina and South Africa.
"We're getting to that point in the season where we have to roll the dice anyway. You can't keep playing the same athletes the whole time and expect to have that same zing.
"We're coming to the end of the season when we go around the world twice in eight weeks and play seven Test matches, so we're going to have to use the rest of the squad. That will probably start in Argentina and there might be some new faces on the bench and maybe even playing. We have to play it smart," he added.
The All Blacks have not been seriously challenged in the Rugby Championship, scoring 169 points – including 24 tries in their four matches so far. Argentina, while slipping to the bottom of the ladder, have the second highest points scored tally of 91.
The All Blacks claimed the Rugby Championship on Saturday with two games to spare after they beat South Africa 41-13 in Christchurch and Australia then denied their nearest rivals Argentina a point with a 36-20 victory in Perth.
The six-try thrashing of the Springboks gave the All Blacks a maximum five points and moved them to 20 after four games while Australia moved into second place but are 11 points behind and cannot overtake the New Zealanders.
It is the first time the outcome of the southern hemisphere championship has been known after only four rounds.
Agence France-Presse
