All Blacks Boss Steve Hansen Reacts To England Equalling Their Record

All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has welcomed England equalling the All Blacks’ unbeaten 18-match Test record by saying it is good for international rugby.

Eddie Jones’ side tied the All Blacks record with their 61-21 demolition of Scotland on Saturday and Hansen believes it is down to the work ethic Jones has instilled in his squad.

“I’d like to congratulate England on equalling the record,” Hansen told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“It’s great for rugby because we want competition and games that people want to watch and get excited by.

“Eddie has come in and installed a want and a desire that probably hasn’t been there before.

“We’ve always felt England have had plenty of talent but not always been willing to work hard.

“But they seem to be doing that now under Eddie, and it’s no surprise that they’re putting a run together that’s pretty impressive.

“Sometimes you get talented players, but they don’t have that work ethic.

“It’s not the players’ fault, but then someone comes in their lives, a parent, a teacher or in this case Eddie as a coach, who instils a work ethic and creates a vision that excites them and people change their habits.”

England and New Zealand have not met since November 2014 and Hansen admits he is relishing the day the two sides meet again. Asked who would win, the All Blacks head coach replied:

“Being the All Blacks coach I would like to think we would.