All Blacks coach Hansen tips England for future success

Despite watching England lose 37-20 to his All Blacks charges at Auckland's Eden Park, Hansen saw enough to suggest that when World Cup-winner Johnson got hands-on with the group they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Hands on: And Hansen is expecting a fight from England

"They have got the potential to be a really good side," Hansen said.

"They've got a new coach who is going to certainly bring the values and create a culture within the group that only the highest standards will be accepted.

"There is a good foundation there for a good side."

Johnson is not in New Zealand as his wife is due to give birth, and despite the
defensive frailties and the inability of the back line to show any attacking gumption in Saturday's game, he will at least have seen something to cheer about in the shape of his loose forward trio of Tom Rees, James Haskell and Luke Narraway.

They started the game with a roar, ripping into the All Blacks forwards and pushing them off the ball at the breakdown.

And when other parts of their game began to fall apart, they at least kept up the pressure on Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw and Jerome Kaino.

The tight five also effectively disrupted the All Blacks line-out, something Ireland failed to do in Wellington just over a week ago.

But once New Zealand got to grips with the breakdown and matched England in the scrums they were able to unleash their deadly back line, which resulted in tries for Conrad Smith, Daniel Carter, Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

England captain Steve Borthwick (middle) looks disappointed in Auckland - yet New Zealand coach Hansen says things will improve

Hansen, however, felt the English had reason to hope in spite of the comprehensive defeat.

He even suggested the introduction of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) later this year could help to improve their back-line play, which could only conjure up two opportunist tries for debutant Topsy Ojo yesterday after two All Black errors.

"I thought they (England) played really well up front and they are a forward pack in the making, they could be very, very good internationally," Hansen added.

"The ELVs may change how they play and it might enhance them because they've
certainly got some good backs.

"The guy that scored two tries, he doesn't lack any pace does he? The more time he can get the ball in space he's going to be dangerous."

And the former Wales coach expects more of the fare dished up yesterday in next
weekend's second Test in Christchurch.

"I can't see them changing too much. They had enough success to say 'right we'll carry on with what we're doing'," he added.

Not that that would make his side complacent this week, he insisted, saying: "If you allow complacency to interfere with preparations and your preparations lack honesty and commitment you come to Saturday and you're not ready to play."