Hansen calls for no let up against the Eagles

Steve Hansen may have rung the changes for the All Blacks clash with the USA this evening but the head coach will not be tolerating a slip in standards. [more]

Steve Hansen

Steve Hansen may have rung the changes for the All Blacks clash with the USA this evening but the head coach will not be tolerating a slip in standards.

The two sides clash at Soldier Field and for the All Blacks – who host the British & Irish Lions in 2017 – there are only three survivors from the starting XV that beat Australia last time out.

They are Kieran Read, who will captain the side from No.8, winger Cory Jane and full-back Israel Dagg.

Hooker Nathan Harris, halfback TJ Perenara and lock Patrick Tuipulotu will all make their first starts while reserve halfback Augustine Pulu is set to make his debut.

But Hansen is confident his side are more than ready to impress on American soil when hostilities get underway.

“They might be young but there's plenty of experience there,” Hansen said.

“Over the years we have gradually brought those guys on to the point where we have got complete trust in them.

“The expectation is they will go out and play bloody well and play like an All Blacks team is expected to play.

“The primary thing is that we've got to do the right thing for our team.

“This is a great opportunity for us to give some people some game time and give some other people a bit of a breather because it's been a busy schedule.”

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