All Blacks coach Graham Henry has re-applied for his job following the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) decision to make the position contestable after the team’s failed World Cup campaign.
Henry (61) had until 5pm (4am GMT) on Monday to apply for the job after the NZRU rejected a proposal to reappoint his coaching team, which included Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, after the All Blacks were knocked out in the World Cup quarterfinals.
”I have applied for the All Blacks coaching position because I believe I can add further value,” Henry said in a statement released after the deadline passed. ”I’m passionate about coaching and this team.
”Obviously the Rugby World Cup was a big disappointment and I am responsible, but I believe we can learn from that experience and develop into an even stronger All Blacks team in the future.”
Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, who was also suggested as a candidate for the vacant Australian coaching job, Ian Foster (Waikato Chiefs) and Colin Cooper (Wellington Hurricanes) are also reported to have applied for the position.
Deans has been touted by the New Zealand media as the hot favourite to succeed Henry after winning four Super titles and reaching two other finals and a semifinal in his eight years in charge of the Christchurch-based franchise.
Henry’s deputy coaches Hansen and Smith did not apply for the job but Smith said he would be happy to work with the same panel.
”We’re all gutted by the World Cup result especially after the success the team had in the four years before that,” Smith said.
”Personally, it’s made me more determined to look for improvements and to find a new level of success if given the chance.”
New Zealand won 42 of 48 matches under Henry, taking the Tri-Nations title in 2005, 2006 and 2007, completing a series whitewash against the British and Irish Lions and a grand slam over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
They went into this year’s World Cup in France as overwhelming favourites to win the Webb Ellis Cup but were controversially beaten by the French in a match marred by refereeing errors.
A decision is expected by the end of December. – Reuters