All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will not mourn Sonny Bill Williams’ departure for long as the stars continue to align for a post World Cup clean sweep.

With the Bledisloe Cup locked away for another year after Saturday night’s 22-0 win over the Wallabies, Hansen will sleep easy this week knowing centre Conrad Smith and prop Tony Woodcock are rested and ready to return against Argentina next weekend.

Hansen’s world champions have a jump on the Rugby Championship pack after back-to-back wins.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans perhaps best summed up the situation as he contemplates his 14th loss to New Zealand from 17 attempts.

Deans said the All Blacks are playing like a side that’s endorsed before the first whistle and from a purely rugby perspective it’s a blueprint in terms of their mental and physical capabilities.

Deans added New Zealand’s ability to cope when they haven’t got the ball, their ability to adapt and read what’s happening, clearly shows they’re number one.

Deans predicted the All Blacks would win the Rugby Championship and would probably not lose a match.

The Rugby Championship will have one week off before New Zealand hosts Argentina and Australia face South Africa.

Both games will be played next Saturday.


Story by: Akuila Cama