Henry back in Black
7 Dec 2007
Graham Henry has been reappointed as coach of New Zealand.
The 61-year-old Henry has survived despite his closest challenger Robbie Deans widely tipped to unseat him.Henry has been reappointed for a two-year term.
The four candidates – Henry, Deans, Colin Cooper, Ian Foster – presented their cases to the board yesterday in a 90 minute interview.
Ultimately the eight voting members decided to retain Henry on as coach, staying true to their promise that the All Blacks’ World Cup quarter-final exit would not be taken into consideration in their final decision.
A large proportion of the New Zealand rugby public are said to be disappointed with the decision, particularly because Henry continually asked to be judged on his World Cup performance
Henry’s impressive record over his four year tenure, winning 42 of his 48 tests, is in all probability, is what ensured that he was reinstated.
NZRU Acting Chairman Mike Eagle said he was very impressed with the interviews with all four candidates, and praised the depth of coaching talent in New Zealand rugby.
“At the end of the process, the board concluded that Graham Henry was the best candidate for the position,” he said. “We are all disappointed not to have won the Rugby World Cup. In that regard, the NZRU board accepts it was jointly responsible and accountable for the result and the planning that went into the campaign.
“We are committed to learning the key lessons, which will be explored in the independent review announced earlier this week led by Mike Heron and high performance expert Don Tricker.†added Eagle who said the appointment decision was based on Graham’s remarkable results over a four-year tenure.
“Graham’s record, both on and off the field, is among the best in All Blacks rugby history. He has set a very high standard in coaching, player management, and integration with the wider New Zealand rugby community. He has given a lot in a successful period for our game and the Board is convinced he has more to give the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby.
“As a result, we believe that in the best interests of New Zealand rugby, Graham and his team were the right choice.”
Henry expressed joy and relief in receipt of the news.
“I’m very grateful for the chance to continue,” he said. “We have been a strong and successful team over the last few years but we were hugely disappointed we didn’t bring the World Cup back for New Zealanders.
“We have learnt lessons from this campaign and we now look forward to being able to build on those learnings and the experience we have.”
208 Comments
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8 Dec 2007, 01:54 am
Morning Hurricane- yep how can someone who’s team does so blatantly badly actually comment so liberally on the shortcomings of another they will probably never beat again and never,ever match.
I’m quite happy about GH’s appointment, not at all to say the Deans wouldnt be more than suitable but feel the NZRU have really done something positive to instigate a change in mindset.
8 Dec 2007, 06:39 am
This is a good result for NZ rugby…consistency and a man who owned up to his mistakes.
NZ will get better unfortunately.
8 Dec 2007, 06:53 am
Is picking Henry worth losing Deans????….John mitch doesnt think so
8 Dec 2007, 06:55 am
199
Most saffas will say they support a system, something or someone that is positive to them for that period of time or day even if it in the broader realm is destructive.
They will fight tooth and nail to maintain their current status quo especially if they are in prime position for that moment even at the cost of the game.
Rugby needs to get ahead and SA wants to stall it based on its brand of rugby….
Aus and NZ bring attacking play and SA a bland style which will win them some games and lose them many yet they wil try and reinvent that same bland wheel.
Rugby rules need to be changed to keep the game moving and if it is under threat from other sports codes then there is something seriously wrong.
League should not be more popular than Union by anyones stretch of the imagination. the boring rules in Union keep people watching league because it is local in Aus and the UK and to some extent France.
8 Dec 2007, 07:17 am
But the important question is how far would a League player be able to throw a quokka !!!
8 Dec 2007, 07:25 am
Well Done to the AB’s – just won the 2011 world-cup
8 Dec 2007, 07:44 am
Hahaha so they can only win at home
8 Dec 2007, 07:50 am
I told you guys, England will win the grand slam in the 6 Nations. watch.
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