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Reuters

After wrapping up the season by beating France to earn a 13th win in 14 matches on Saturday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen immediately turned his thoughts to next year’s highly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.
A first loss in 111 years to Ireland, who also beat Australia, and the performances of an improving Scotland and an impressive England under Eddie Jones on the November end-of-season tours has underscored the challenge his team will face in June.
Only one Lions side have been successful in New Zealand, with the Carwyn James coached 1971 team enthralling crowds with a toughened pack and mercurial backline, but Hansen said next year’s version would be incredibly tough to beat.
“They are probably going to be the best Lions team to come down for a long time, with what they have got to select,” Hansen said.
Watch: France v New Zealand highlights


He said he was planning a preseason camp for about 40 players in January to assess fitness levels.
“It will allow them to go into Super Rugby in the best nick that we can possibly get them into at that point,” added Hansen.
We can beat the All Blacks, says Lions coach Warren Gatland
“Sometimes you get the luxury of allowing players to go through the June series and getting them in the right condition. They have got to turn up in the right condition.
“We just can’t afford anyone to be behind the eight ball in June.”

Hansen said he was relatively pleased with his side’s performances this year, especially after they lost so much experience with the international retirements of six stalwarts following the 2015 World Cup.
While they romped through their first 10 matches, the last four in November had proved extremely valuable for the coach ahead of the Lions tour and looking towards the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Good old French team is back, says New Zealand coach Steve Hansen after victory
The All Blacks’ 40-29 loss to Ireland in Chicago, a 21-9 victory in the return clash in Dublin before the season-ending 24-19 win over a much improved France had been just what his side needed.
“I think we got asked even more questions [over the last four weeks],” he said. “The key thing I’m happy with is that the leaders have stood up [and]...the character the team showed at times.

“We have lost Richie [McCaw], Conrad [Smith] and Ma’a [Nonu]...and those guys in the pressure cooker of a test match have been ice cool and calm and have allowed the team to come out the other side.
“To lose them and still be able to do that the majority of the time, other than probably Chicago, has been satisfying.”


All Blacks coach Steve Hansen turns attention to British & Irish Lions tour

Former All Black Dan Carter (left) speaks with coach Steve Hansen at the Stade de France. Photo: AFP

France Rugby - France v New Zealand All Blacks - Stade de France, Saint-Denis near Paris, France, 26/11/2016. New Zealand's head coach Steve Hansen. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

New Zealand's players perform the haka before the rugby union Test match between France and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 26, 2016. New Zealand won 19-24. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE

Warren Gatland the man to bring All Blacks to their knees, says former British & Irish Lion ‘Big Doddie’ Weir

Doddie Weir believes Warren Gatland is the right man to lead the British & Irish Lions to victory. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Doddie Weir

Doddie Weir, Ex Rugby player Scotland, poses fora picture in TaiKoo Shing. 28SEP16 SCMP / Xiaomei Chen

Britain Rugby Union - Announcement of the British & Irish Lions Head Coach for The Lions 2017 Tour of New Zealand - Standard Life House, Edinburgh, Scotland - 7/9/16 British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland poses after the announcement Action Images via Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Sport

Rugby

New Zealand beat France at the weekend to end the season with a 13th victory in 14 outings, but all eyes are now on next year’s highly anticipated series


All Blacks coach Steve Hansen turns attention to British & Irish Lions tour

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}New Zealand beat France at the weekend to end the season with a 13th victory in 14 outings, but all eyes are now on next year’s highly anticipated series

New Zealand beat France at the weekend to end the season with a 13th victory in 14 outings, but all eyes are now on next year’s highly anticipated series