17 Aug 2012

Deans doesn't rise to Hansen bait

3:22 pm on 17 August 2012

The Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has described All Blacks Steve Hansen as a very good fisherman but refused to take the bait ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney.

Hansen arrived in Sydney questioning Deans' his selection changes from last year's World Cup semi-final drawing attention to the controversial decision to omit first five Quade Cooper from his 22.

Hansen and Deans share a tense relationship following a reported falling out, but the Wallabies coach made it clear he wasn't going to bite back.

Deans stressed the importance of opening the three-match Bledisloe campaign with a win at home ahead of next week's return fixture at Eden Park.