Rugby story by Dominic Taylor, Mon, 28 Nov 2005 10:12:01 GMT


2005 is going to be the most significant year in the history of the All Blacks and especially for their coach Graham Henry. The man is hard to ignore much less to beat. While there may be some drawbacks in the team comprising some of the world's finest rugby talent, the King himself is – impeccable.

A 3-0 victory over the Lions, a Tri-Nations title and yesterday's Grand Slam – the New Zealanders' second one, the next and final ambition – the World Cup is just about two years away. Among rugby coaches past and present, King stands out with his unbeatable list of achievements. His list for 2005 was capped last night in Paris where he was voted International Rugby coach of the year.

If yesterday's win of the Grand Slam cheered the New Zealanders, there was a minority that wasn't all too pleased with the King's directorship of the team. The coach had decided to take some important players off at yesterday's match, a decision that was hated more by fans than those rested. There are some New Zealanders who maintain that All Blacks could have put on a more spectacular show of skill on the field, besides trouncing the Scots.

For instance, many are quick to point out that captain Tana Umaga made a few mistakes in the first half of the game. Just as quickly they overlooked his recovery in the latter half. Back at the locker room, Umaga was reminded of his team's near defeat at Twickenham. The general sentiment however said that the match against Scotland was indeed a low key one.

It was perhaps this awareness that prompted King to utter the morale-boosting statement that yesterday's match was one of the more significant victories and the best game of the tour. The coach was referring to the splendid performance put up by the Scots who despite the defeat left the grounds to a standing ovation. The Scots proved to be a tougher match than the Welsh or Irish teams.

The 32-year old captain of the All Blacks is expected to retire from the game, whether it will be before the World Cup or after is not known as he has refused to confirm his decision.

He was awarded a plaque by Andy Irvine, president of the Scottish Rugby Union to mark the centenary of the first fixture between the two countries.

There is no doubt that the New Zealanders couldn't have found a better coach than King who grew up on this island nation.

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