Sudden Impact
Imagine if the All Blacks go out and lose a test to the Irish.
After more than a century of games between the two countries, a loss is yet to be suffered by the All Blacks.
Hansen needs to make a statement in this three-test series. The All Blacks are at the start of a four-year cycle, but they have to start winning now.
If the unthinkable happens, then Hansen is on the back foot straight away.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
When the All Blacks win, they have to do it in an attractive and, occasionally, stunning way.
They are expected to be good most of the time, they can very occasionally be bad, and once every four years they are allowed to win ugly.
Winning 15-9, through penalties, is not going to be good enough.
For the All Blacks, outside World Cup finals, ugly does not cut it. They have to play attractive rugby, and score tries.
Where Eagles Dare
The All Blacks are scheduled to face the Springboks in Soweto in October.
Not an easy exercise. They won in the massive stadium in Soweto last time but it was mighty close.
Is there a tougher game this season?
The All Blacks lost in Port Elizabeth last year and Graham Henry had his problems getting a win in the republic.
The Springboks always lift at home and nothing will change this season.
Million Dollar Baby
Let's face it: Hansen has the job for the next four years.
He is an experienced coach, who has plenty of talent at his disposal. He will win many, many more games than he will lose.
But his biggest job is having to find a replacement for Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
They are going to be nearer 35 than 30 at the next World Cup. It is going to be a big call when they have to go, but age catches us all.
Hansen needs to find a quality replacement for both men, and make a call on when the stars have to go. He needs to find that million-dollar player, or players, to replace them both.
Good luck with that.
Absolute Power
The buck stops with Hansen.
He is the man in the hot seat.
He knows that. Having been the able lieutenant for more than 100 tests he now gets to steer the ship.
And how to do that successfully?
Simple. Win every game, most by a wide margin, play attractive rugby, and replace some seasoned veterans with players just as good, or even better.