World Cup: New Zealand’s Hansen won’t fall for Meyer’s mind games

New Zealand's head rugby coach Steve Hansen

Hansen says that Meyer has “just about killed us with kindness,” during the build-up to tomorrow’s heavyweight showdown at Twickenham.

But he also feels the Springboks supremo, who on Wednesday labelled New Zealand as “the best team ever,” has a method behind his public adulation.

“Heyneke has praised us a lot this week, and that is a tactic,” said Hansen.

“Behind closed doors, I don’t think he will be doing that with his team. He is trying to paint a picture that they (South Africa) will have to play the best game they’ve ever played in their life.

“At the same time, he is trying to tell our guys that you just turn up and win. We would be very foolish to fall into that trap. We’ve got to turn up with our ‘A’ game, and a little bit more.

“He’s a cunning wee devil, Heyneke. He has been praising us all week and, while I know he means some of it, I know they’re getting ready to rip our heads off.

“If we go lapping up all the praise, then we won’t be in the right mental state to play.

“Moving that to one side, we’ve always had a good friendship, and it’s a bit of a tradition that if you win the game, you buy the other guy a beer. If you lose, it sucks.

“We’ve both had our turn to buy, so we will wait and see who buys at the weekend.”

Hansen has made one enforced change, with loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett missing out due to a groin injury suffered during last weekend’s 62-13 quarter-final victory over France. Joe Moody replaces Crockett, with Ben Franks moving on to the bench.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, meanwhile, will set a new record of leading his country for the 12th time in a World Cup Test match, and Hansen paid him a glowing tribute.

“He started out in 2001 and got player of the day, and he has been player of the day in every other. A hundred and forty odd. I’ve lost count. I can’t count past 10,” added Hansen.

“He has been an exceptional player. But it is not only his ability to play the game, it’s his leadership. He has become one of the great leaders of world rugby, especially under pressure.”