The All Blacks-Lions test series has erupted with Steve Hansen firing a massive shot at Warren Gatland.

Hansen was so angry at Lions coach Gatland's inference that All Blacks were deliberately trying to injure halfback Conor Murray, that he hit back in an interview with Rado Sport host Martin Devlin Radio Sport.

"It's predictable coming from Gatland - two weeks ago we cheated in the scrums, last week it was blocking, now we're saying this," Hansen told Devlin.

Listen: Steve Hansen on the DRS with Martin Devlin



Warren Gatland concerned at All Blacks targeting of halfback Conor Murray

"It's really, really disappointing to hear what he's implying, that we are intentionally going out to injure somebody. That is not the case, we've never been like that, and as a New Zealander I expect him to know the New Zealand psyche. It's not about intentionally trying to hurt anyone, it's about playing hard and fair.

"Wasn't it a great test...both sets of players earned the respect of each other in a physical contest. At the time no one was complaining about anything being off key. The fans who watched it loved it, so it's really, really disappointing to hear him say that...to take away not only the gloss of the test match but from his own team's performance as well."


When asked by Devlin what he thought Gatland's motivation was, Hansen said: "I don't know, I guess he might be a bit desperate or something. I don't know why he would be saying it.

"He's implying that we're trying to hurt the guy. Rugby is about playing within the laws. In this case we're trying to charge the kick down and or tackle him. Both those things are legal - that's what the game is built around.

"Just because (Murray) is one of their key players, he doesn't have the right to go around the park without being charged down or tackled. After such a great test match, on Monday (Gatland) comes out and is saying something like that."

Hansen did not expect it to be a topic of conversation with the match officials before the second test, in Wellington on Saturday night.

"It wasn't in the game...there's a guy watching for foul play all the time," Hansen said.

"If (the official) thought it, he would have indicated that to the referee. It wasn't and it never was, and never will be as long as I'm involved with the All Blacks.

"We want to play hard and fair and want teams to do the same to us. Then we will see who has the best skill sets and takes the opportunities in 80 minutes. Then it's start again."

Gatland had complained that All Blacks were unfairly targeting Murray.

"The one concern for me... there was a charge down when someone dived at his legs which I thought was a little bit dangerous," Gatland said. "After he's kicked he's been pushed a few times and pushed to the ground. They're not massive issues for us, it's just making sure he's protected and not harassed after he's box kicked.

"It's a little bit tough. When you see someone dive at someone's leg ... you feel for the player, it's a little bit concerning that they're not actually trying to charge the kick down, they're nowhere near it."

Gatland also had a quiet dig at the way the All Blacks played in general.


Gatland said: "They didn't really play Champagne rugby did they? So if we had played that way and won the game it would have been interesting to see the reaction. Look, you have to take your hat off to them."

Hansen replied: "I guess that's another predictable comment coming from Gatland...he's looking to take the heat off his own team."

Meanwhile Hansen described captain Kieran Read's performance as "phenomenal", after a two month injury-enforced absence and little game time this year.

"It's what we've come to expect from All Black captains," he said.

Jerome Kaino is "as good as gold" for the second test after departing the first test early for a head check. It will be another day before Ben Smith's situation is known. He will have further head checks, and Hansen said they were mindful Smith has suffered two previous concussions this year.