AUCKLAND // Graham Henry described his "personal satisfaction" at having confounded his critics by leading New Zealand to the Tri Nations title in his toughest test as the head coach following last year's World Cup failure. New Zealand entered the 2007 World Cup as the overwhelming favourites but were dumped out in the quarter-finals by a 20-18 loss to France in Cardiff.
A mass exodus followed with a host of big name players departing for Europe, leaving a major rebuilding operation - New Zealand's selection policy dictates players who play outside of the country cannot be chosen for the national team. Henry was forced to reapply for his position as the head coach but was handed a new two-year contract and the task of gelling new personnel. The All Blacks went on to retain the Tri Nations title - clinching the trophy with a 28-24 win over Australia in Brisbane - and the Bledisloe Cup with one game to play, the ANZ 2008 Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup match on Nov 1.
"It's more about personal satisfaction," said Henry. "It's the hardest year that the All Blacks coaches have had since they started coaching the game at the All Blacks level, which is about five years now. "That's simply because of - and the negatives are not deniable - the criticism for not winning the World Cup last year and the pressure of this year at the same time. "It's satisfaction to achieve that rather than feel vindicated that you've succeeded after being criticised.
"To build a team and still win the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup is hugely satisfying for that group of people." Rather than feel burdened by the weight of expectation, Henry believes it is one of the reasons for New Zealand's continued success. "It's part and parcel of the job I'm afraid and you've just got to accept it," the former Wales coach added. "The expectation of success is a reason why the All Blacks are successful." * PA Sport