Australia is under-performing leaving Springboks as the only threat - Hansen

Australia is under‑performing, leaving South Africa as the only southern hemisphere country providing the All Blacks with the top‑flight opposition they need, according to New Zealand coach Steve Hansen.

Hansen conceded their big Bledisloe Cup wins this year came against a team who "are not quite right" and weren't at the same level as international heavyweights South Africa, England and Ireland.

The All Blacks recorded a loss and a narrow win against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship, followed by a one‑point defeat of England and last week's 16‑9 loss to an exceptional Ireland in Dublin.

Hansen says that he still believes Australia are a really good rugby side adding that there is definitely something missing because they are not quite right and are not performing to the level they can.

New Zealand's season finishes with a Test against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

The All Blacks will now face Italy at 3am this Sunday.

[Source: TVNZ]