In the wake of the 30-22 loss to Italy in their RBS 6 Nations opener, Hansen has had to deal with a Welsh squad - and rugby public - at their lowest ebb.

But Hansen remained defiant, despite independent observers claiming Clive Woodward's men would run up a cricket score against a dispirited home team.

He said: "I have really had to do a lot of things that in the past I didn't have to do. When I look back I will be able to consider this was one of the best weeks of my career.

"It is not every week you play so poorly and lose to Italy and then get smashed by every Tom, Dick and Harry and have a team of players who are gutted in themselves.

"I don't think we have been tough on them in questioning their desire. But the problem was the application was very, very poor - and we have got to get the application right."

Hansen added Wales have nothing to fear facing England.

He said: "I will tell the guys to believe in themselves. I am sure there is going to be plenty of desire. There has been plenty all week in training, and we can't wait to play.

"We have got to go out there and respect them but certainly not fear them."