Hansen said injured players Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui and Tom Donnelly were candidates to play the Welsh on Saturday at Carisbrook but, with increasing depth and a long season in front of them, it was best not to rush players back into the squad.
"It is only difficult to pick players when you do not have people to select from ... that was what was pleasing last week that everyone we selected put their hand up and said I'm All Black quality," Hansen said.
"We got a lot of guys on the park and let them play. Five new caps, which was great."
Halfback Jimmy Cowan may be in doubt for Saturday night and did not take a full part in a light training run at the Edgar Centre yesterday.
Muliaina was also only running lightly.
Hansen said the team had targeted specific areas last week in the 66-28 win over Ireland, and was pleased with them but there was still lots to work on.
"The kick-offs is one of them. Clearly we've got to work hard on the skill factor of the kick-off, catching the ball above our head for a start. We need to get our structures right, so we will have a wee tinker with that.
"It is just about getting a better understanding of what it is we are trying to achieve."
Hansen said the first 35 minutes of Saturday's match was outstanding, with the side adhering to a clear plan and executing it well with good intensity.
"The scoreline eroded that intensity a bit and allowed Ireland back into the game in the second half. But when we needed to, we seemed to kick up another gear and score tries. It became tit for tat, really."
"That is what we've got to sort out this week and we've got to be more ruthless and finish them off."
He said defence was about believing in the system and staying true to the system, trusting guys on the inside.
Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll said after Saturday's match the best tactic for Wales was to slow the ball down at the breakdown.
Hansen said this was not surprising, and the All Blacks would expect nothing less from Wales.
"Obviously one of the tactics of any side is trying to slow the ball down.
"We struggled against it against Ireland ... clearly if you can make that ball presentation slower that gives you more time to mobilise your defence and set their defensive line.
"They will look at the game and see that as a priority, for sure."
Hansen said he was not feeling down over the state of the game after the Super 14 this year, when the Crusaders was the only New Zealand side to make the top four.
"Super 14 is a totally different ball game than test rugby. For years and years we have seen New Zealand sides make semifinals but that does not equate to great test performances.
"The bonus of not having guys in the semifinals is it gives guys mentally a break, and prepare really well for these tests."
The All Black side to play Wales will be named today.
Hansen said competition for places was strong.
