His French counterpart, Philippe Saint-Andre, spoke about what is otherwise a supremely consistent string of results in wondrous tones minutes after his team pushed the All Blacks all the way in a 26-19 defeat in Paris at the weekend, saying: "Since the World Cup I think they've played 31 games, won 29, drew one, lost one, so that must be the best record in the history of rugby."
It is a record most international coaches can only dream about, not least England's Stuart Lancaster, who aims to take his team to No2 on the world rankings over South Africa.
The importance of making first-up tackles will also be driven home this week, as will coping with playing in front of what will be another huge crowd of about 80,000.
And although Hansen has a wealth of talent on the wings with the emergence of Charles Piutau, and the return from injury and illness of Cory Jane and Julian Savea respectively, he has fewer options at centre.
He has committed himself to playing Ben Smith there in the absence of Conrad Smith, but Wesley Fofana and Florian Fritz caused the Highlanders player and midfield partner Ma'a Nonu problems in Paris.
The forward pack and Aaron Smith/Dan Carter axis virtually picks itself but there remains a feeling that the midfield is in a state of flux.
For the All Blacks, it's probably a good thing the England powerhouse Manu Tuilagi is injured, but a nagging sense of anxiety could be just what they need to make what they hope will be an emphatic statement.
"It's not about me, it's about all of us. The All Blacks are way bigger than one person so the day I start thinking about myself will be the day I'm not here any more." Hansen's statement after the team arrived in London was designed to deflect attention but the spotlight on him is likely to shine brighter every day this week.
There is a record at stake - a win will put his team on the brink of ending the year unbeaten with a test against Ireland to come - and a very painful defeat to put right. APNZ
