ALL BLACKS head coach Steve Hansen has likened The Northern Echo Arena to “a Test venue”, and claimed his side’s time in Darlington has helped give them the best possible chance of defending their Rugby World Cup crown.

The All Blacks have been based at Rockliffe Hall and training at The Northern Echo Arena as they prepare for Friday’s final group game with Tonga at St James’ Park.

The reigning world champions will then decamp to Wales ahead of a quarter-final at the Millennium Stadium with either Ireland or France, and Hansen has been delighted with their time in the North-East.

In particular, the coach has been impressed with the home of Darlington Mowden Park, which has enabled his players to run through their training drills in a match-day environment.

“As far as here (Darlington) goes, I would say it’s the best facilities that we’ve ever had the opportunity to train at,” said Hansen. “It’s been great.

“The ground at Mowden Park is like playing in a Test venue on its own. The pitch has been superb, and the club has been great in the way that they’ve supported us.

“The people in the hotel have been first class, and we can’t thank them enough. It’s been great getting up here and we’re looking forward to moving into Newcastle city itself and having the opportunity to meet the people there as well. “

The All Blacks will take part in a public training session in Darlington tomorrow, before heading to St James’ Park where they will train on the pitch ahead of Friday night’s game.

“I was lucky enough to come through when we did the recce for St James’ Park and got a good tour around the place,” said Hansen. “It’s a fantastic stadium.

“It’s steeped in history with guys like Keegan, Shearer and Beardsley. They’re a fantastic football club, and the supporters from Newcastle are well known throughout the world.

“Then you’ve got other soccer clubs rounds here, like Middlesbrough who train just over the way. We’re really looking forward to playing there.”

Hansen announced his line-up for Friday’s game earlier this morning, with centre Ma’a Nonu set to become only the sixth player in history to win his 100th cap for the All Blacks.

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo have been selected to line up on the wing, but there is no place for skipper Richie McCaw, who is nursing a minor thigh injury.

“If we were playing a final, he would be fine,” said Hansen. “We’re not prepared to take any risks with anyone who is not 100 per cent. He can have a breather.”

New Zealand team (vs Tonga): B Smith, Milner-Skudder, C Smith, Nonu, Naholo, Carter, A Smith; Woodcock, Coles, Franks, Romano, Whitelock, Kaino, Cane, Read.

Replacements: Mealamu, Crockett, Franks, Retallick, Messam, Kerr-Barlow, Barrett, Williams.