Graham Henry has been reappointed as head coach of New Zealand on a two-year contract.
Aussies could approach Deans after All Blacks decide to stand by their man
Graham Henry has been reappointed as head coach of New Zealand on a two-year contract.
The 61-year-old beat off stiff competition from Robbie Deans and Super 14 coaches Colin Cooper and Ian Foster to keep his job.
Henry was forced to reapply for the position following the All Blacks' shock World Cup defeat to France and it was expected he would not return.
However, his excellent record - he has won a hat-trick of Tri-Nations titles and also oversaw a series sweep of the Lions - meant the New Zealand Rugby Union stuck by him.
Grateful
"I'm very grateful for the chance to continue," Henry said.
"We have been a strong and successful team over the last few years but we were hugely disappointed we didn't bring the World Cup back for New Zealanders.
"We have learned lessons from this campaign and we now look forward to being able to build on those learnings and the experience we have."
Mike Eagle, acting chairman of the NZRU, feels Henry should not take all the blame for the team's failure to come home with the World Cup.
"We are all disappointed not to have won the Rugby World Cup," he said.
"In that regard, the NZRU board accepts it was jointly responsible and accountable for the result and the planning that went into the campaign.
"We are committed to learning the key lessons, which will be explored in the independent review announced earlier this week led by Mike Heron and high performance expert Don Tricker."
High standard
On Henry, Eagle added: "He has set a very high standard in coaching, player management, and integration with the wider New Zealand rugby community.
"He has given a lot in a successful period for our game and the Board is convinced he has more to give the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby."
Crusaders coach and former All Blacks assistant Deans had been the favourite for the post.
The fact he has been overlooked could interest the Australian Rugby Union, who are yet to announce John Connolly's successor as Wallabies head coach.
