Henry: Australia defeat won't have RWC impact

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has played down the significance of the All Blacks' defeat by Australia on Saturday, pointing out that history shows Tri Nations success is not linked to Rugby World Cup glory.

Speaking at the official presentation of the New Zealand RWC 2011 squad at the historic Ponsonby Rugby Club in Auckland, Henry responded to questions about the impact of his team's 25-20 defeat by their fierce rivals in Brisbane.

The result earned Australia their first Tri nations title since 2001, but Henry is well aware that while New Zealand have won all three Tri Nations tournaments to be held in World Cup years, they have never followed up with victory in the global tournament.

"We didn't play as well as we hoped in Brisbane but in 2003 and 2007 the All Blacks were Tri Nations champions and we did not win the World Cup in those years," Henry said. "I do not think what happens in the Tri Nations determines what happens in the World Cup. What happens in the next eight weeks will determine that."

Henry believes the defeat by the Wallabies may even help focus the All Blacks ahead of RWC 2011, which kicks off with New Zealand's clash with Tonga on 9 September.

"I hate losing so it was difficult but we have a real focus now and there's certainly no over-expectation or complacency. We have a very experienced side with experienced leaders but also some young guys who will bring a lot of excitment and talent - they can add that edge - so I am confident we can deliver."

Lessons from France

Henry also spoke of New Zealand's disappointment at RWC 2007, when they were beaten by hosts France in the quarter-finals, and the lessons which had been absorbed.

"We learned a lot from 2007. We believe we have to dissect what has happened since 1987 and why the All Blacks have not been successful since then. We have not been good at sudden-death football in recent times and we need a special mentality for those games."

Henry said playing at home will be an inspiration for the All Blacks rather than a burden of expectation.

"One of the special qualities of rugby in New Zealand is the expectation of the public and that's one of the reasons why we have been so successful. There will be huge expectation and I think that brings out the best in the guys.

"This group is very privileged to have the opportunity to play a World Cup at home and certainly I am very honoured. And it's a great opportunity for the country. The 2005 Lions tour here showed that. Thousands of people came and enjoyed New Zealand and although we gave them a bit of a hiding (3-0) the fans left feeling good about the experience they'd had.

"If the fans who come to the Rugby World Cup go away with the same feeling I think we will have done a good job."

Captain's challenge

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw also spoke of lessons learned from four years ago in France.

"You have to go through these things so you have the answers when things get tough or don't go your way. I hope these experiences will help me guide the team this time.
"But it's not just about me. We have other senior players we rely on to drive the team. We have to do our own jobs but also to make sure everyone does their little bit.

"We realise this is the biggest challenge. We've all played in big Tests before but this is something different and we have to do it dead right if we want to have a chance. This is what we have experienced before and we want to make sure the new guys know it too."

The All Blacks will visit New Zealand's provincial towns to meet their supporters in advance of the tournament and McCaw said the players were excited at this prospect.

"We've made a real effort to get out and spend time with the people because we don't take our supporters for granted. It's pretty cool to be able to get out and say thanks."