Photos: All Blacks training sessionKEY POINTS:
Eight months of rugby purgatory are nearly over for All Blacks coach Graham Henry.
When his team run out to face Ireland here tomorrow to start their 2008 test season, Henry will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief.
If his new-look All Blacks lose to Ireland for
the first time in 103 years, that relief will transform into public torment, and even worse than what he's just been through.
Henry clearly hoped today's pre-test media session would be the last time he has to reflect on the World Cup, his greatest failure in the sport.
"In this country you can't afford to lose test matches and you especially can't afford to lose test matches in rugby World Cups," he said.
"That causes a lot of interest and a lot of interpretation and that has occurred. That causes pressure for sure."
The 61-year-old hinted at his personal anguish since the quarterfinal in Cardiff.
Some of the public and media sniping has intensified as this test has drawn near.
"I've just got to handle that the best I can," he said.
"I don't read it, I don't see it but I know it's happening. I see headlines.
"The expectation is huge and you wouldn't want to change that expectation, that's one of the strengths of this country.
"(But) if you don't live up to that expectation for whatever reason, you're going to have criticism.
"The only way that will change will be if this side plays particularly well and continues to play particularly well like they've done over the last four years, most of the time."
However, if they win then Henry and his team will at least make a small indent into the psyche of those still stung by New Zealand's inglorious World Cup exit against France on October 7.
The players from that failed campaign have either left New Zealand or had a chance to release their frustrations in the Super 14.
Henry has had no such luxury.
He's only had words, not deeds, to defend himself against waves of criticism.
To make matters worse, Robbie Deans, the man who many believed should have been appointed All Blacks coach, added fuel to the anti-Henry brigade as his Crusaders snatched another Super rugby title.
Ticket sales for the test suggest the public still needs convincing.
Today about 5000 tickets remained unsold to fill the 34,000-seat Westpac Stadium.
Yet it is a test that engenders enormous interest on several counts.
Exciting attackers like debut winger Anthony Tuitavake and Blues teammate Jerome Kaino at No 8 have been knocking loudly on the domestic door and it will be fascinating to see how they slot into Henry's All Blacks pattern that had been so successful pre-World Cup.
Game-breaker Ma'a Nonu can make a bold statement and secure the second five-eighth berth while the likes of prop John Afoa and lock Brad Thorn are recalled to bring genuine pep to the pack.
After itching to get the whistle back in his mouth, Henry has this week had to temper a desire to impart screeds of information to his players.
"The short preparation time has been a challenge, certainly it's been a challenge for me," he said.
"Four training runs and trying to keep the lid on so we don't overcook the guys but trying to get enough information through so they've got a good plan to go forward."
Ireland boast the most experienced forward unit currently in world rugby, classy centre Brian O'Driscoll and a first five-eighth in Ronan O'Gara capable of controlling a test with his boot.
Despite Ireland's domestic successes with Munster and Leinster, their national team have struggled over the past year and it would be a surprise if they end their 20-test winless record against New Zealand.
They have lost five of their last seven tests, having failed to advance beyond World Cup pool play and finishing fourth in this year's Six Nations.
Their last test 10 weeks ago was a 10-33 loss to England, a side the All Blacks face twice this month.
Long-serving Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan has since resigned and interim coach Michael Bradley hopes he can harness the most out of a team still laden with quality.
"This group of players have raised the quality of rugby in our country over the past number of years," Bradley said.
"But the quality of player that New Zealand produce consistently it won't be an issue for them either."
- NZPA
