Hansen: Now you're starting to write us off

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Despite securing the Rugby Championship title in Buenos Aires last weekend, there is still a lot of pressure on the All Blacks to teach the Springboks a rugby lesson in Pretoria.

The last time the All Blacks faced the Springboks, the world champions went down 34-36 in Wellington. It was a result that shocked many around the rugby world and New Zealand will be keen to right the wrongs at Loftus Versfeld.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said there will always be pressure on his team to win and win well, regardless of the scenario heading into an encounter.

“The All Blacks live in a constant place of pressure to win,” Hansen told reporters upon his team’s arrival in South Africa.

“You guys were writing the Boks off, and now you’re starting to write us off, which is good.”

He added: “Life for the All Blacks doesn’t look like that, it’s not about anything other than having to win.

“Expectations are that we win every Test match and if we win them we’ve got to win them well, so nothing will change for us.

“We’ve got to prepare well and make sure we hit the track on Saturday in a frame of mind that allows us to present ourselves as best we can.”

South Africa will be looking to secure a psychological boost by claiming another win before next year’s World Cup. However, Hansen is not looking too far ahead with his attention solely focussed on his team’s rivalry with the Springboks.

“It is a strong one and one we enjoy and I’m sure they do too.

“They’re 1-0 up this year and it’s about making sure we can put in a performance we can be proud of,” he said.

Sources: @All Blacks & tvnz.co.nz