Share

Hansen backs Lienert-Brown to shine

Cape Town - All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is confident Anton Lienert-Brown will give a good account of himself when he makes his Test debut against Australia on Saturday.

The Chiefs centre was named in the world champions' starting line-up for their Bledisloe Cup clash in Wellington as a replacement for the injured Ryan Crotty.

Hansen said it was important for players coming in not to be overwhelmed with the atmosphere so that they can do their job.

"He's been impressive in all the time he's been here and we've got all the confidence that he will go out and do the job," he told the All Blacks' official website. 

"We've got a big task ahead of us, Australia are going to turn up and chuck the kitchen sink at us I should imagine. 

"They've had a big week over there with their own disappointment and the media and their own fans having a crack at them so we'd be foolish to think they're not going to turn up and play really well," he said.

Lienert-Brown had been on Hansen's radar for some time and he has been following the 21-year-old's career since he was a schoolboy in Christchurch.

"I don't think someone like Anton is going to go unnoticed," he added. 

"All of us knew who he was and that's because of what he did on the playing field. 

"And that's why he's here, he's good enough to be here and now gets an opportunity, probably a little earlier than he would, and we would, have expected but we're very confident that he will go out and do the job."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE