Henry: No France fears

Henry: Upbeat

The France versus All Blacks aspect in the pool is intriguing and will create a lot of interest. That is what we want in the game.

Graham Henry
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Graham Henry is thrilled at the prospect of a New Zealand-France opener in the 2011 World Cup.

The All Blacks head coach has taken his side back to world number one this year after they were sent crashing out of the 2007 World Cup by Les Bleus.

Despite being drawn against the French in the group stages for the 2011 tournament, which will be staged in New Zealand, Henry is refusing to dwell on worries about facing their quarter-final conquerors.

"It is three years away, and a lot can happen in three years - teams get stronger and teams deteriorate," said Henry.

"The France versus All Blacks aspect in the pool is intriguing and will create a lot of interest. That is what we want in the game.

"It's nice to meet them in a pool game when not everything depends on winning.

"Hosting the event is great for New Zealand and a chance to put ourselves on the map. We did that with the Lions in 2005, and this is going to be even greater.

"If it's a France-New Zealand opener to the tournament then great, give it profile."

The reigning Tri-Nations champions will have to overcome their poor record in the tournament though, having won the title just once - in 1987.