KEY POINTS:
All Blacks rugby coach Graham Henry appears to be winning over the fans, according to an opinion poll.
Survey results from a Research New Zealand poll show one in three New Zealanders say they are feeling more positive towards the All Blacks.
The poll found 31 per cent of New Zealanders felt more favourably about the team now the test season had started, although 46 per cent said they felt the same as they did before this year's international series.
Five per cent were feeling less positive.
Research New Zealand director Emanuel Kalafatelis said the poll demonstrated the tide might be turning back in favour of the All Blacks, whose quarter-final exit at last year's World Cup sparked fierce debate.
"Now that we're into test rugby season and the All Blacks have had the opportunity to prove themselves on the field, it seems New Zealanders are backing them," he said.
"There's been a lot of talk about Kiwis turning their backs on our national team, but it seems once the talking stops and the rugby starts we can't help but embrace them again."
He said people from larger urban cities with a population of 40,000 or more were more likely to feel more positively about the All Blacks at 37 per cent, compared to 26 per cent of those living in other areas.
- NZPA
