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Getting his All Blacks to hit the ground running in three home rugby tests next month will be an enormous challenge, says coach Graham Henry.
Soon after naming his 30-strong squad today for tests against France (two) then Canada, followed by a reduced Tri-Nations series, Henry launched into another staunch defence of the conditioning programme that reduced the potency of many of his players in the Super 14.
All 20 fit players from that 22-man programme -- not including injured pair Greg Somerville and Jason Eaton -- were included in today's squad.
Henry accepted not all of them had been at their best since returning to their franchises for the second half of the Super 14 but reiterated that the conditioning was designed to have them peaking for the World Cup four months from now.
However, he expected his players to quickly strike the sort of level they reached on last November's unbeaten tour of Europe when they play the first of two tests against the under-strength French in Auckland in two weeks.
"We want to get back to the standards of last year in the way that we play. We've got three games to do that and it's hard to do because of the short period of time," Henry said, adding that the Tri-Nations against South Africa and Australia would require a further step-up in quality.
"I think we need to improve considerably, maybe 20-25 per cent, this year if we're going to be a top contender at the rugby World Cup."
Before the Crusaders were eliminated from the Super 14 at the semifinal stage last weekend, their coach Robbie Deans bemoaned the impact of the conditioning programme on his players and their campaign.
He hoped such a programme would never be employed again in New Zealand.
Henry had no regrets about what had unfolded, believing the fruits would only become apparent at the World Cup.
"The alternative was that the players play 13 to 15 Super 14 games and maybe some pre-season games and then 14 test matches.
"They were going to play 30 games in the calendar year. That was a recipe for disaster.
"We knew those guys in the conditioning window would be in their best condition in September and October.
"They should be primed as well physically as they can be come the rugby World Cup."
Henry also reiterated his long-held belief that South Africa would be the All Blacks' greatest threat at the World Cup.
"That's not to lessen the potency of the French, the Irish, the Australians or anybody else," Henry said.
"But you've got to be impressed with what they've done in the Super 14 (providing both finalists). They've got the manpower to be a hell of a good side."
- NZPA
