Hansen apologises to Welsh Supporters
Hansen also claimed that some players had "undervalued the jersey" and gave a clear indication there will be changes in his starting line-up for Saturday's daunting Millennium Stadium appointment with England.
The Wales coach wouldn't be drawn though, on intense speculation that skipper Colin Charvis could be axed from leadership duties. Cardiff flanker Martyn Williams is a clear favourite to take over.
Hansen and his players reassembled at their rural training retreat today, with the Welsh nation still digesting a numbing 30-22 defeat described by Wales' national morning newspaper The Western Mail on its front page as "humiliation" that "beggared belief."
"The players know that they have let a lot of people down, including themselves, but the important thing now is that we start putting it behind us," Hansen said.
"We can't afford extra baggage this week. We've just got to get on and work as hard as we can and front-up on Saturday.
"I've looked at the video three times, and it was a poor performance. Some people undervalued the jersey, simple as that. Having said that, there were some people who stuck their hands up.
"Once you hit the track and you get a side that is really pumped up and you are a bit off the mark, then it is hard to turn it around unless you are a real quality side, and it's fair to say we are not at that point yet.
"I would ask the supporters not to give up on the team after one poor performance. Put it into context of the last five Tests they've played, and it was nowhere near how they played in the autumn.
"I would say don't give up on them, and on behalf of the team, I apologise to the fans."
But it is 51 time-capped Charvis' immediate international prospects that are attracting most attention. A television poll conducted in Wales yesterday revealed that 96% of those questioned believe he should be stripped of the captaincy.
"We don't name the team until later in the week, and he's (Charvis) like everyone else. His performances have to be of the quality we are looking for," Hansen added.
"If they are not, once we do our research on the game, then his position will be in question. If they are, then he will stay there.
"I am aware of the poll, but at the end of the day, I am not interested in polls. I have got to make decisions that I think are best for the team that's what I get paid to do.
"Most of the people that are doing the polls probably haven't been in the same situation. In the nicest possible way and with the greatest respect, they are doing it emotionally.
"I can't afford to be emotional I've just got to do things on basic facts."
Asked though, would there be changes ahead of what will be a Herculean task trying to stop the English juggernaut, he said: "I would suggest that there will probably be some, yes."
Hansen, who has admirably fronted-up to the media in the immediate aftermath of events at Stadio Flaminio, believed complacency might have contributed towards Wales' downfall.
"Complacency is all that I can put it down to," he said. "It had been a good week in terms of preparation, and quite clearly, the attitude wasn't there because we were dominated by a lesser side.
"That is the nature of the game. If you don't turn up with the same desire as the opposition, then it doesn't matter how much better you are. Without desire, you are in trouble.
*Scotland winger Kenny Logan has warned France there will be no repeat of Sunday's woeful performance against Ireland when his side travel to Paris in the RBS 6 Nations on Sunday.
"We've got a lot of work to do after yesterday's match but we must be positive as a team because we face a massive challenge next weekend," said the Wasps flyer.





