Home > Rugby > Why Graham Henry must stay as All Blacks coach
by Paul Lockwood on 25 October 2007
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As a Kiwi rugby fan, I have followed the progress of the All Blacks faithfully. And I think Graham Henry did everything right!
At the end of the day, though, the coach can only do so much. If he's done his job and the players fail and get it wrong, why should he be crucified?
If Graham goes, so will his two assistants. I can tell you now, they are in it together and have said so from the start. They will all be snapped up by other countries - indeed, Wales are already prowling NZ for their next coach. The ABs will be facing teams playing much better than they normally would because they have fantastic ex-All Black coaches. Coaches good enough to still be doing the job for New Zealand.
So if anyone from the NZRFU reads this, have a think about it before doing something rash, something I think you will regret. Let's face it, who have we got as a replacement as good as Henry - Robbie Deans? If I were Deans, I'd have serious doubts about taking the job after the way Henry has been treated.
Henry has a very impressive record. A clean sweep over the British Lions, a perfect record on European soil, including a Grand Slam tour in 2005, as well as three successful Tri-Nations campaigns. Let that speak for him instead of one lousy game.
Comments (7)
by Andrew on October 26, 2007
Paul, you must be kidding...everything right? Not playing his #1 team once (perhaps) in 2 years and leaving 107 caps out of the squad in Mauger and Howlet, 67 on the bench in Jack. I agree with you on rotation and building a squad but not right up to and including the WC. As far as harshlly treated, the man got everything he wanted. I'm not saying he's not the right man to continue but give some thought to your comments.
by Cray uk on October 26, 2007
If Henry can repeat what he has done over the next 4 years then he is a safe bet. If he can put nz into pole position like he did in2007 and again for the next world cup then what else do we need. Only Henry can learn fully from his mistakes and he is the sort of coach who will learn from experience.Don't throw the Godfather out with the w/c bath water.
by sue w on October 26, 2007
Yes it's all been words like too pampered, too rotated and over paid, this side of the world down under.I just feel for the guys that won't be in it next time and they missed that slice of glory. Hey after all it's only supposed to be a game. Sport entertainment. You have a kind heart Paulwith what you wrote. I believe you do have a flair with words and believe you can excell at anything you choose to do and focus on. Count me in as an adoring fan. Make sure you have plenty of fun on the way. I know I am. X Sue
by Douglas Strother on October 28, 2007
Even Henry will admit he didn't get everything right. I don't think it's right to be resting players for half a season. So far that hasn't worked in any of the World Cups. We should just select the best players and have confidence in them. Chopping and changing doesn't bring us any closer to winning a world cup
by Ian Stewart on October 31, 2007
I agree with you Paul.Even with a squad of two full highly skilled teams who could predict losing two number 10's in one match.Also, we haven't won in 20 years.How could we know that R&R may not work.At least it was worth a go.Only a pity it'll take four more years to fine tune.The best man for the job should be allowed to refine his techniques - even just slightly.
by Tane on November 04, 2007
Graham Henry, one very unlucky man. As New Zealand World Cup history suggests, if the Blacks fail to get William on the plane back to Aotearoa, the leader of the assault gets the axe. When you look at the 2003 cup in comparison to the 07 version, Henry didn't deserve the same fate as his world cup predecessor, the Blacks were not ready for the semi against Australia, and it showed. Whereas, the 07 All Blacks were in a brilliant position at quarter final time... A bad draw with no hard games left the All Blacks vulnerable, but they were ready for the French, a few bad calls did irreperable damage to the All Blacks and Henry's job...
by Tasman Ian McLean on November 16, 2007
They got rid of Mitchell arfter ONE loss
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