All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has rubbished Warren Gatland's claim that there's little between New Zealand's Super Rugby teams and what the All Blacks will bring to the three tests.
"I don't think there will be a lot of difference between some Super Rugby sides and the All Blacks," Gatlandsaid after his team lost to the bottom of the table Blues. "These guys have been together seven months and the All Blacks are coming together cold."
Hansen responded to Gatland's comments at a press conference earlier today.
"I don't think there's any comparison between Super Rugby and Test rugby," Hansen said. "He was probably just trying to make a light comment."
Despite hitting back at Gatland's comments, Hansen admitted he still has respect for the Lions side, whatever happens in the games that precede the Tests.
'"I've always said this and I still believe it, I think they're the best Lions side to come here. Gatland's made it very, very clear that the first Test is all he's got his eyes on. I don't think they're too bothered about what's happening between now and then."
"It would be foolish of us to think we can just rock up and expect a soft game. We'll get the kitchen sink thrown at us, and we need to be ready for that."
The Lions will face the Crusaders, Highlanders, Māori All Blacks and Chiefs, before their first Test against the All Blacks on the 24th of June at Eden Park.
