All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has hit back at accusations his side are "the most cynical cheats at a breakdown" who are "paranoid about openside cover" in their Rugby World Cup squad.
The claims were made by former England first five‑eighth now commentator/journalist Stuart Barnes, in a piece written in the British newspaper, The Sunday Times.
Barnes described the All Blacks as being the most positive attacking team in the world, but that they had a dark flip side and were intent on replacing the influential Richie McCaw with other players capable of killing quick ball, and that as a team they were masters of pressuring referees to rule the breakdown in their favour.
Hansen dismissed Barnes' comments as nonsense.
Hansen says they are no different to any other team at the breakdown adding Barnes has got to say something because he has got to sell his papers.
[Source: Stuff.co]
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