New Zealand coach Graham Henry has hailed his side’s balanced approach in their 26-12 Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup winning performance over Australia.
With Henry keeping tight-lipped over his future after the Rugby World Cup, it could well be he finishes his tenure as All Blacks coach unbeaten on home soil, a great achievement in itself. But before he spares a thought for his future, the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup will be at the forefront of his mind.
The torrential rain prior to kick-off changed the All Blacks approach according to Henry – but nonetheless, his side showed maturity in dealing with the conditions and a stubborn Australian outfit.
“We got better as the game went on. It was a very tough first half in difficult conditions,” Henry told sportal.co.nz.
“We were more patient in the game we were trying to play.”
The key in the second half, when the All Blacks dominated and ultimately won the game, was the fact they were able to play so much rugby on the front foot as well as increased efficiency at the set-piece.
“The scrum was very good and the ability around the ruck was good,” he said.
Backs coach Wayne Smith was happy to see Dan Carter back to form and particularly to see him doing his fair share of work in and around the ruck.
“He’s a tough character, a good country boy, he can handle it,” Smith said. “His game is getting better and better.”
With Henry keeping tight-lipped over his future after the Rugby World Cup, it could well be he finishes his tenure as All Blacks coach unbeaten on home soil, a great achievement in itself. But before he spares a thought for his future, the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup will be at the forefront of his mind.
The torrential rain prior to kick-off changed the All Blacks approach according to Henry – but nonetheless, his side showed maturity in dealing with the conditions and a stubborn Australian outfit.
“We got better as the game went on. It was a very tough first half in difficult conditions,” Henry told sportal.co.nz.
“We were more patient in the game we were trying to play.”
The key in the second half, when the All Blacks dominated and ultimately won the game, was the fact they were able to play so much rugby on the front foot as well as increased efficiency at the set-piece.
“The scrum was very good and the ability around the ruck was good,” he said.
Backs coach Wayne Smith was happy to see Dan Carter back to form and particularly to see him doing his fair share of work in and around the ruck.
“He’s a tough character, a good country boy, he can handle it,” Smith said. “His game is getting better and better.”
365 Digital
