Hansen: Boks no pushover
The New Zealand coach was happy to lavish praise on the defending World Cup champions after watching them run in nine tries in a one-sided quarterfinal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
But with the countdown to next weekend's first semifinal against South Africa already under way, Hansen was quick to temper his team's celebrations.
"It was a pretty special performance, but all we have done is earn the right to go training on Monday," he said.
"We haven't won the thing, so we can't get too excited. That would be pointless.
"We have played South Africa a lot of times and they are great rivals and we are good mates with them.
"It's going to be one hell of a contest."
In producing the biggest margin of victory ever in a World Cup knockout match, the tournament favourites were not only clinical with ball in hand, but succeeded in destabilising Philippe Saint-Andre's side with a defensive effort that bordered on perfection.
It might have taken some time in coming, but after four modest performances in reaching the last eight, the world champions finally hit their straps.
"As I said earlier in the week, there is a difference between pool play and knockout play and obviously knockout rugby creates an edge in itself," Hansen said.
"If you don't turn up, you go home.
"We turned up and attitude plays a massive part in any sporting event.
"It certainly showed in this match.
"When you couple attitude with talent, you can do certain things."
Saint-Andre, who had laughed off suggestions in midweek of player unrest, said: "We have to congratulate New Zealand for an exceptional performance.
"We knew we would have to put doubt in their minds, but once they put daylight between them and us, it was very difficult. They are the Brazilians of the rugby world."
Asked if he felt ashamed, he said: "Yes, of course. It's more than difficult. But I want to thank my staff and the players too.
"We would rather be clapped than booed, but I'm disappointed for the players most of all, because they gave their all.
"I accept my responsibility and I have taken a lot of blows over the last four years, but I am ready to take some more."
Had Ma'a Nonu not have coughed up the ball a metre short of the French line in the closing moments, New Zealand would have eclipsed their previous best winning margin against the French, 51 in 2007.
Still, it was a performance of genuine quality and though the Springboks will provide a more stern examination, at Twickenham on Saturday, it would take a brave man to bet against the All Blacks from reaching a second successive final.
Source: @rugbyworldcup
