All Blacks coach Steve Hansen admits 'we were arrogant in the past'
Thursday 10 September 2015 10:37, UK
Steve Hansen is playing down New Zealand's chances of claiming back-to-back World Cup triumphs, with the All Blacks coach even refusing to accept they are the defending champions.
He also believes previous New Zealand squads have 'been a little arrogant' ahead of tournaments and have come unstuck as a result.
The reigning champions travel to England on Thursday as they bid to become the first team in World Cup history to win successive tournaments.
Since taking over as head coach in 2012, Hansen's team have played 47 Tests, winning 42, while losing once each to Australia, South Africa and England. They have also drawn two matches.
But Hansen is trying to keep his squad's feet on the ground, saying: "In 2007, I think we rocked up a little arrogant, like previous All Blacks teams over the years may have.
"We were too comfortable, having come off being the number one team for a long time and just expected it to happen.
"Rugby, or any sport, will tell you that if you rock up to a contest involving another person and expect it to happen then the other guy or athletes will have something to say about that.
"There is not an expectation that we should win it by right. We're not going to defend the World Cup because it's not ours to defend. It has already gone back."
Their opening match of the tournament in Pool C is against Argentina on September 20.
