The Wallabies mentor has questioned the merits of his counterpart's bold claim before the first Test, which starts at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on August 18.
Hansen suggested this week that Australia "have a lot of self-confidence and are worthy of starting as favourites".
The statement ignored 16 years of trans-Tasman dominance, the fact Hansen's charges are World Cup holders and have occupied top spot on world rugby's rankings since 2009, and the wisdom of every bookmaker on the planet.
Cheika beamed on Friday when asked about Hansen's take.
