Hansen: Wales pose greater threat to All Blacks than Lions

STEVE HANSEN believes Six Nations Grand Slam winners Wales will pose a greater challenge to his All Blacks this autumn than the British & Irish Lions have managed in the past six weeks.

The New Zealand forwards coach, who set the Welsh revival in motion as Graham Henry’s successor as national coach between 2001 and 2004, has already switched his attention to his side’s November tour to the northern hemisphere when the All Blacks will play a Test each against Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland.

The All Blacks claimed a 2-0 series lead against the Lions in a record 48-18 triumph in Wellington on Saturday and Hansen said: “It’s going to be a great Test in November - there’s no doubt about that.