All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has leapt to the defence of his captain Kieran Read in the wake of criticism of recent performances by the 117-cap veteran.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Test against Italy in Rome, Hansen hit out at reports suggesting the 33-year-old loose forward may no longer be good enough for the test arena.

According to Radionz, Hansen also did not condemn Read for the knock on that proved a missed chance for the All Blacks to score in their 16-9 defeat to Ireland last weekend, the first time the nation had lost in Dublin.

All Blacks takes on Italy at 3am tomorrow.

Meanwhile, England takes on Australia at 4am tomorrow while Wales will battle South Africa at 6.20am.

You can watch both the matches live on FBC TV.