All Black coach Graham Henry attempted to save his job on Thursday during a grilling by New Zealand rugby officials in the wake of the team’s quickest-ever World Cup exit.
In the past All Black coaches have quickly been discarded after failing to secure the World Cup. Henry has surprised commentators by choosing to fight to stay on, despite the 20-18 quarterfinal loss to France in October.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) interviewed four candidates for the job in Wellington, although it is expected to be a two-horse race between Henry and Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans.
Henry declined to comment as he entered rugby headquarters while Deans looked confident, despite arriving 20 minutes late for his interview.
Deans, a former All Black fullback, has been the most successful coach in Super 12 and Super 14 history, guiding the Crusaders to four titles since he took over in 2000.
Henry had some controversial policies to defend, including excluding 22 All Blacks from this year’s Super 14 competition and rotating players to build depth.
Critics say the rotation policy devalued the prestige of being an All Black, unsettled the players and meant the team that played France did not have enough game time together.
The NZRU board is due to meet again on Friday, when the new coach is likely to be named, although acting chairperson Mike Eagle has said the union will take as long as it needs to make a decision. — Sapa-AFP