All Blacks: Henry's blood pressure easing over draw from hell

All Blacks coach Graham Henry says there isn't a harder challenge in world rugby than what his side faces in the opening three weeks of the Tri-Nations. Photo / Getty Images

CENTURION - Graham Henry has grown to accept the Tri-Nations rugby draw from hell, not that he's happy about it.

The All Blacks coach reckons there isn't a harder challenge in the international game than the current schedule which sees them play Australia and then two tests away to South Africa, all in succession.

"Some people would call that ridiculous or impossible," Henry said today, three days out from the test at Bloemfontein's high altitude against a Springboks side lying in wait since their series defeat of the Lions.

"It can't get any tougher than this. Australia, South Africa, South Africa in three weeks and travelling after the first weekend.

"But that's the reality so you get on with it."

The All Blacks flew out in the early hours of the morning after last Saturday's 22-16 defeat of the Wallabies in Auckland.

Next week they complete their congested start to the tournament against the Springboks in Durban.

It is a lopsided draw, with the other three tests then played out over seven weeks.

Henry suffered a rare defeat at boardroom level when Sanzar officials finalised the draw.

The veteran coach tried to negotiate a draw that better suited the All Blacks but his plea apparently fell on deaf ears.

"They listen, it's a two-way process. I can't remember the details of it, it was a long time ago now.

"But there's no point going into it saying `this isn't fair'... there's no point in bitching about it.

"We know the rules, there's no out for us, we get on with it."

Australia and South Africa both have their own tight patches in the tournament where they play three consecutive tests but, in both cases, those matches are all at home.

- NZPA