All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes his side couldn't have prepared any better for the start of their international season.

The All Blacks host Manu Samoa at Eden Park tonight as part of the Pasifika double header following Wales against Tonga.

Hansen told Mike Hosking it has been a great buildup in Auckland.

"Usual first week of test preparation, bringing everyone back together. It's been as good as it possibly could be," he said.

Meanwhile, Hansen believes the British and Irish Lions have been deliberately holding things back ahead of the DHL test series.

Hansen said the Lions have some quality rugby players and are yet to show their hand.

"They've got a certain way they're going to play I think when the tests come. They're obviously doing a lot of training behind closed doors, not trying to show us too much."

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