Hansen slams ‘dumb footy’ from All Blacks in Bledisloe Cup drubbing

Steve Hansen slammed his New Zealand side for playing “dumb footy” after Australia consigned them to a 47-26 Bledisloe Cup drubbing in Perth on Saturday.

The Wallabies eased to a rare win over their trans-Tasman rivals in a high-scoring contest at Optus Stadium, where Scott Barrett was sent off by referee Jerome Garces in the first half after being adjudged to have shoulder charged Michael Hooper.

Australia outscored the world champions by six tries to four to go top of the Rugby Championship table ahead of second-placed South Africa’s clash with Argentina later in the day.

The All Blacks will slip off the top of the world rankings if Wales beat England on Sunday and head coach Hansen was not impressed with their showing in Western Australia.

Congratulations Australia, you were the better team tonight. We look forward to the rematch at Eden Park next week.#AUSvNZL #BACKBLACKpic.twitter.com/NsXcFqORew

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 10, 2019

Hansen said: “I’m obviously disappointed. Australia played particularly well and deserved the win. They were the best side on the day.

“The red card didn’t help us, but we didn’t help ourselves either. Our discipline was poor in the first half.

“There were numerous occasions when we got offside when we didn’t need to.

“It was dumb footy and we’ve got to be smarter than that.

“Our changing shed is very disappointed because of how we performed and that’s how it should be. Australia gave us a lesson in what to do when you have a side down by one man.

“At the same time, I’m extremely proud of the way they hung in. Australia wanted to play footy, they wanted to play fast. In the end we couldn’t cover the extra space.”

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