Graham Henry has said he is happy to repay the faith shown in him following New Zealand's World Cup disappointment.
All Blacks coach making the most of second chance
Graham Henry has said he is happy to repay the faith shown in him and lieutenants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen following New Zealand's World Cup disappointment.
The All Blacks once again underperformed on the biggest stage of all last year, reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by France.
Henry had to re-apply for his job in the wake of the bitter disappointment, with the New Zealand Rugby Union choosing him ahead of Robbie Deans, who was subsequently headhunted by Australia.
The All Blacks have been unstoppable since, winning the Tri-Nations and currently on the verge of a third Grand Slam sweep of the home unions if they beat England at Twickenham on Saturday.
"What we've achieved since the World Cup is satisfying. It's also good for the coaching team," said Henry, who has steered the All Blacks to eight successive wins.
"Robbie Deans is a very good rugby coach as everyone knows, and it was a difficult decision for the board.
"They stuck by us and it's good to repay that faith. They'll be feeling comfortable about that decision now. We as coaches are feeling more comfortable now too.
"We've learnt things from the last World Cup. The World Cup has had some positive impact."
Scrutiny
His position having come under intense scrutiny 12 months ago, Henry is perhaps better qualified than most to comment on the situation facing England manager Martin Johnson.
And, according to his counterpart, England's World Cup winning captain needs patience to prove himself a success.
"When he was appointed I thought Martin would be very good at the job," Henry added.
"It will take some time but he'll be very good because he has very high standards and he expects high standards from others. People respect him.
"I'm sure Martin's been there before as a captain, it's part and parcel of the job."
Former Wales coach Hansen, New Zealand's forwards coach, agreed with Henry that Johnson should be given time to prove himself.
"I've been there with Wales but Martin's clearly got a plan," he said.
"The media and all the people who think they know about rugby yet don't have to front up in the arena, they have to be patient and give him the chance to prove himself.
"I think he'll end up being a very good England coach because of his character.
"He will demand that people around him come with him, but it won't happen overnight."
