'Massive expectation' on the Lions says New Zealand coach Steve Hansen
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has turned up the heat on the British and Irish Lions ahead of this summer's tour, warning the expectation on them will be "massive".
Warren Gatland steered the Lions to a 2-1 series win in Australia four years ago and he will be hoping for further success when they head to New Zealand for their 10-match tour.
More than 20,000 Lions supporters are expected to travel to the home of the world champions for the three Tests, and All Blacks boss Hansen has questioned whether the players will be able to cope with the extra pressure that brings.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "The Lions would be foolish to think that there's not an expectation there for them to do well.
"There will be a massive expectation on them. If you're a Lions fan, you'd look at it and say, 'We've got four countries going into one against the opposition, we should be able to beat these blokes'. That is an expectation to be dealt with.
"We have our own expectations. People expect us to win, too. We don't get to avoid it. But it's something that we live with all the time. And have had to learn to deal with. And the Lions will have to learn to deal with it. And I'm not sure.
"Each team has its own unique way of dealing with it.
"My point is that 20,000 will be coming out with a massive expectation. Yes, they want to see some good rugby but they also want to see the Lions win."
