Henry's World Cup plans expected to be approved

Graham Henry

All Blacks coach Graham Henry's plans to give his top players an extended break over next summer is expected to be rubber stamped by the New Zealand Rugby Union board today.

However, an announcement of the plans is not expected until after the All Blacks are named on Sunday.

Henry wants his leading players to continue to rest during the first half of next year's Super 14 so they're ready for the World Cup later in the year.

Super 14 franchises met Henry in Wellington yesterday to hear his plans that will be discussed by the board today.

Given the desperation for the All Blacks to win the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since 1987, the board is expected to approve the plans though further discussions could be held with the All Blacks after they are named.

"It was a good exchange of views," Hurricanes chairman Paul Collins said.

Crusaders chairman Bob Stewart was pleased Henry and the NZRU had listened to their views and he told The Dominion Post their commitment to the All Blacks' programme was never in question.

With leading All Blacks missing the fist six weeks of the Super 14 next year, it would impact on the on-field results, sponsors and gates.

But all agreed that winning the World Cup next year was to take priority.

Stewart said there were concerns about the impact removing up to 30 players from the first six weeks of the competition would have on all teams.

The Crusaders, with All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Mose Tuiali'i, Aaron Mauger, Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald, would be hit hard.

- NZPA