Kieran Read has hit back at his detractors after calls for him to be axed as the captain of the All Blacks, following a below par tour of the northern hemisphere.
Read, 33, has appeared to have struggled for the All Blacks in Europe so far this season, looking a shadow of his former self in his side's 16-15 win over England at Twickenham, before being outplayed 16-9 by Ireland in Dublin.
Speaking to NZME though, Read says that the criticism of both himself and his side were undeserved.
"I felt it was fairly good," he said.
"It was fairly strong and I think I have operated the best I have all year on this tour.
"But I am feeling like I am putting some form out on the field now so that is nice."
Read also says that the impact of calls for him to be axed don't compare to the personal anguish suffered on field.
"It is natural. You lose in this black jersey and you know it is coming.
The All Blacks coach launched a passionate defence of his skipper in the wake of the loss to Ireland. (Source: Other)
"And to be honest, what you are feeling is so much worse than what anyone could be writing about you.
"When you lose in the All Blacks jersey, no matter who it is against, it hurts and it stays with you."
Read and the All Blacks will have a chance to make up for last week's loss, taking on Italy in Rome tomorrow morning NZT.
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