Eden Park won't count at World Cup
A month from the start of the World Cup in England, the five-tries-to-one runaway win reaffirmed the All Blacks' top world ranking.
But Hansen said he knows from bitter experience the huge gulf between the All Blacks and the third-ranked Australians exposed by one Test will count for nothing at the World Cup.
"The difference with the World Cup is you get four games guaranteed and if you're good enough to run first or second in your pool you get one more," said Hansen who was assistant coach to Graham Henry in 2007 and 2011.
"We learnt a massive lesson in 2007. If you don't win that one you come home."
The All Blacks went into the 2007 World Cup as overwhelming favourites only to be knocked out by France in the quarterfinals.
Four years later, they lost their last two Tests before the 2011 World Cup and went on to win it.
"So I don't think what happens at this time of the year really counts," Hansen said.
But he was not impressed that it took a 27-19 loss to the Wallabies in Sydney the previous week to fire up the All Blacks for the return clash in Auckland.
"There was plenty of edge there (against Australia). We've got to be able to capture that and do it when we're winning as well."
With the All Blacks forwards controlling play up front it allowed a good flow of quality ball for flyhalf Dan Carter to direct the attack and silence his critics after a below-par showing last week.
"He was the Dan Carter of old. He'll get a lot of confidence out of it," Hansen said.
"He knows he's done the job and he's done it under pressure. He's been questioned by a lot of people and he's stood up."
AFP
