14 Jun 2009

Hansen says experience counted against them

3:49 pm on 14 June 2009

The All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen says a lack of experience by some players certainly counted against them in their 27-22 loss to France in the first test in Dunedin.

And that lack of experience will intensify with waikato front rower Aled de Malmanche and Canterbury loosie George Whitelock being called up following injuries to Andrew Hore and Adam Thomson.

However Hansen says the players will be better for that game.... he says a number of players got caught out by the intensity of the game and that comes with experience so he's sure they'll be better in next weekend's second test.

Hansen says Ali Williams and Conrad Smith are unlikely to be available for the second test, however Brendan Leonard and Jerome Kaino should be available for selection.