We’re underdogs, says Henry
30 Jun 2008
Graham Henry is talking up the Springboks ahead of the Tri-Nations opener in Wellington.
The All Blacks are coming off the back of a comfortable two-Test series win against England, but Henry said the Boks would be twice as good as the men in white.
“We expected England to be better than they were. Our reconnaissance, our research, said that they were going to be a very strong side, and a lot of people that knew them well thought they would give us a hell of a big game,” said Henry. “So if England had come into the Test series a seven out of 10, they probably ended up a five out of 10. The South Africans will be a 10 out of 10.”
While the Boks have not won in New Zealand for a decade, and the All Blacks have not lost a home Test since 2003, Henry was eager to claim the underdog tag.
“[The Springboks] are a very talented rugby team, they are world champions and hopefully we can give them a game,” he said. “They have been playing very well, they have got old heads there who can drive the ship, they have been impressive really.
“We have total respect for the Springboks, their new coach will bring new ideas, they’ll try different things. It’ll make it interesting won’t it? I’m sure they’ll pick a strong side. They are very experienced and the best side in the world obviously.”
103 Comments
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30 Jun 2008, 23:28 pm
This is undeniably the weakest AB side since 04 who incidentally still beat the Boks at home. Dont listen to those who say NZ fans will not support GH because of Deans. Deans is still unproven at this level. He inherited an outstanding S14 side from Hansen.
The real AB fans will always back the Black especially at home. NZs first 15 are still good but they lack the depth on the bench they have had previously.
This is the most anticipated AB – SA series in years and its good for the game.
My pick is the ABs but its going to nail biingly close.
Weather good at moment in Wellington which means its going to be **** on Saturday.
1 Jul 2008, 05:09 am
I don’t see how it’s that weak. It’s more or less the same set-up as previous years. If the All Blacks scraped home in 2006 and 2007, I don’t see why they can’t do it this year. Even if they lose on Saturday, it’s not the end of their Tri-Nations campaign.
1 Jul 2008, 12:25 pm
Mind games…
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