All Blacks coach Steve Hansen couldn’t have wished for his team to respond better to a tough Irish challenge from last week than their 60-0 demolition of Ireland in Hamilton on Saturday.

The All Blacks were hungrier at the breakdown, more accurate on attack and impregnable on defence against an Irish team which couldn’t recover from a four-try blitz in the first 25 minutes.

It meant that a week after Ireland nearly recorded their first victory over the All Blacks before losing 22-19, they were on the receiving end of a record losing margin against the New Zealanders.

“When you make 24 combined avoidable penalties and errors, there’s going to be a few harsh words, not only by myself but by the players themselves,” Hansen said of the previous week’s effort.

“I thought this week, after what was a pretty tough test the week before, they’ve bounced back, they’ve worked hard, smart, and taken the bullet between the teeth and come out and played what’s been a marvellous game of rugby.”

Hansen was especially happy the team stayed focused on defence despite racking up nine tries in an effort which had the game won by halftime.

“A lot of times when you see games with high scores your defence goes, but tonight the team showed the discipline right through the game to defend well.”

With Aaron Cruden looking outstanding in the 26 minutes he was on the field the All Blacks raced to a 26-0 lead through two tries to Sonny Bill Williams and one each to Sam Cane and Ben Smith.

They added further tries to Cane, Hosea Gear, Liam Messam, Israel Dagg and Adam Thomson in the second half while keeping the dispirited Irish scoreless.

“Last week we showed the way you need to play New Zealand and that’s not to give up 20 points in the first 20 minutes,” Ireland coach Declan Kidney said.

“In the first and third Tests we’ve gone behind by a considerable amount early by making turnovers and once they get into their rhythm, they’re not world champions for nothing.”