Tri-Nations bigger test than Lions, says Henry

A tough Tri-Nations series will test the All Blacks far more than the three-test tour of New Zealand by the Lions, All Blacks coach Graham Henry believes.

However, Henry today said the All Blacks' 3-0 series win over the Lions would not lead to any over-confidence within the team as they prepare to depart for South Africa on Friday for their first Tri-Nations match.

The All Blacks play South Africa on August 7 NZ time and Australia a week later.

Henry said the annual Tri-Nations contest was an international yardstick for the sport.

He believed better was yet to come from the All Blacks after some impressive displays in the three tests against the Lions.

"I don't think there is any inflated opinion of our own ability," he said in Auckland today after the All Blacks' first training run since they wrapped up the test series in Auckland 18 days ago.

He said they did not know the strength or weaknesses of the Lions before they arrived.

"My gut feeling was that they weren't particularly strong but we didn't know that when we went into the series and I was delighted with the way the guys played the game."

He said the Lions tour was a good build up to the Tri-Nations series.

"But with the Tri-Nations you have got the three best teams in the world.

"We are going to know where we are after the Tri-Nations as a measuring stick.

"Hopefully, it will show some rough edges and things we need to work on because obviously we are not the finished product. But we are pleased with the progress we are making."

He said the Springboks, in Cape Town and the Wallabies in Sydney would put the All Blacks under far greater pressure than the Lions.

"Then we are going to find out where the deficiencies are and you have got something to coach."

Henry was asked to identify the All Blacks deficiencies but he couldn't.

"I don't know. What we are trying to do is produce the perfect game.

"We had deficiencies last year and we got third in this championship -- last.

Henry said the All Blacks would leave on Friday without any injury worries.

First five-eighth Daniel Carter, second five-eighth Aaron Mauger, flanker Richie McCaw and fullback Leon MacDonald had all recovered from the injuries which kept them out of the third test against the Lions.

- NZPA