Monday 26 June 2017 16:00, UK
Steve Hansen has contacted a New Zealand radio station to complain about comments made by his British and Irish Lions' counterpart Warren Gatland.
Gatland told a press conference on Saturday that he was unhappy with the way the All Blacks' targeted Conor Murray during the first Test in Auckland.
The Lions coach said the Kiwis deliberately and dangerously tackled the standing leg of scrum-half Murray whenever the Munster player attempted to launch a long kick.
However, in response to the Lions' coach's criticism, All Blacks boss Hansen contacted New Zealand's Radio Sport to say: "It's predictable comments from Gatland, isn't it?
As a New Zealander I'd expect him to know the Kiwi psyche.
"Two weeks ago it was we cheated in the scrums, last week it was blocking and now he's saying this.
"It's really disappointing to hear it, because what he's implying is that we're going out there to intentionally injure somebody and that's not the case. I guess he might be a bit desperate.
"We've never been like that and as a New Zealander I'd expect him to know the Kiwi psyche."
Following the weekend's 30-15 defeat by New Zealand, Gatland said: "There were a couple of times from Conor Murray where there was a charge down where someone dived at his legs.
"I thought that was a little bit dangerous. And after he has kicked, he has been pushed a few times and pushed to the ground.
"It's just making sure he's being looked after and protected and not harassed after he's box kicked. So we'll probably just get some clarity from the referee later in the week."
That referee will be Jerome Garces of France who will officiate the second Test in Wellington this Saturday.
Despite his comments regarding the All Blacks' treatment of Murray, Gatland said was happy with the manner in which the first Test was controlled: "We can't complain about the referee in terms of the way he controlled the match.
"For me it's just about protecting the players, making sure they are safe and that's my biggest concern."
