ALL BLACKS HEAD Coach Steve Hansen was relatively magnanimous in defeat as the Lions secured a famous Test victory at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.
New Zealand were reduced to 14 men early doors when Sonny Bill Williams dropped his shoulder into Anthony Watson’s head, earning the Kiwis’ first Test red card in 50 years. They continued to dominate proceedings for the majority, however, only for tries from Toby Faletau and Conor Murray, as well as a crucial late penalty from the boot of Owen Farrell, to draw the Lions level in the series ahead of the decisive third clash next Saturday.
Speaking to Sky Sports in the UK, Hansen praised the Lions and accepted that they were deserving of their victory, while refusing to be drawn on the red card incident. During his post-match interview with his own native Sky Sport, however, Hansen raised a number of eyebrows in congratulating ‘Wales’ on the Lions’ victory – this following his first ever defeat to a Warren Gatland-coached outfit.
"All credit to Wales.... um...uhh...the Lions..."
— Paul Guest (@paulrguest) July 1, 2017
Steve Hansen interview skills 101.
👏👏👏#LionsNZ0217 #AllBlacks #AllForOne #interview pic.twitter.com/SkRfP2MvHo
Much had been made of Gatland’s prospective Welsh-oriented gameplan in the lead-up to this summer’s tour, and despite of Hansen extending an olive branch midweek following the New Zealand media’s harsh treatment of the Lions boss, his supposed Freudian slip was still perceived by many as a well disguised jibe.
Classic Hansen, trolls @lionsofficial by calling them Wales. #NZvBIL
— Michael Colhoun (@michaelcolhoun) July 1, 2017
Steve Hansen with his "All credit to Wales..." comment in the post match interview. Priceless.
— Dylan Russell (@D_Russell94) July 1, 2017
Steve Hansen, bless his heart, 'Full credit to Wales' #deliberate #laughingmyarseoff
— C Murphy (@cindilou75_c) July 1, 2017
All credit to Wales😂😂😂😂 cmon Steve Hansen you cant make this up #BritishLions #SSRugby #NZLions2017
— Shaheed Williams (@wil_i_amshaheed) July 1, 2017
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One of the greatest GAA families of all time to be sure. Best of luck to Marc on his retirement.
In about 20 years time there could be an awful heap of them in the team if they each have a few sons