KEY POINTS:
There was a rare peek past the Graham Henry armour yesterday, the more cautious and defensive exterior he has presented to the rugby public and media since being burned at the last World Cup.
He acknowledged that England, the All Blacks' last hurdle in the way of a
repeat Grand Slam, were rebuilding but had been the strongest of the Home Nations in the past 30 years. They would be steeling themselves to bounce back this weekend.
Henry then mentioned the pain of the World Cup quarter-final loss to France, the loss few saw coming, as a reminder of what could occur.
This final week on tour had been satisfying as he picked up awards for international coach of the year and a fairplay award, had met the Queen, and the team was on the cusp of a repeat Grand Slam. As he spoke about those achievements and acknowledged the input of the entire coaching, management and playing staff, Henry let his guard down slightly.
"We have been through a bit of pressure over the last 12 months, particularly after the last World Cup," he said. "I think the three people sitting up the front here [Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen] have felt a lot of pressure during the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup times and to win those was pleasing and gave us the opportunity to feel more comfortable in the job and relax.
"We have enjoyed the tour, I think I am talking collectively here, and the players have played exceptionally well. They are a very good group of guys to coach, they are very tight as a group of people and eager to learn to play well."
All the coaches had learned from their chastening World Cup experience. If they had not evolved and improved their skills, then it would have been time they left their jobs. Henry was certain the disheartening World Cup experience had some positive effects on the entire All Black group.
It had been important to set goals like achieving a Grand Slam, to create history and to leave a legacy.
Winning five tests in five weeks would be a major achievement and just as worthy as winning a Tri Nations or Bledisloe Cup series.
Henry was outlining his thoughts on the final international of the year against England and the chances of the 2008 All Blacks emulating the previous Grand Slammers of 1978 and 2005.
He had detailed his selections and attempted to alter the perspective on England's 42-6 defeat last weekend to the Springboks. England had the majority of possession and territory, Henry pointed out, but either did not finish or made crucial mistakes. He did not consider the final score a true reflection of the match.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith, who is considering whether to extend his contract past this year, said the coaching group had worked extra hard on this tour. He had rebuked some of his mates who thought the All Blacks had been doing it easy.