When the All Blacks want the public onside, it was strange the coaching staff misled them about Richie McCaw's involvement in the second test against England.
The series decided, with the 36-12 victory at Eden Park, Henry conceded McCaw was never in the selection frame after suffering a headknock at Dunedin. "It was never an issue. We weren't going to play him all week."
But as late as Friday, Henry kept giving progress reports on his vice-captain as if he was still in contention. It may have been a ruse to try to keep England guessing but they, like most of the media, probably smelled some mischief.
After his never-in-contention revelation, Henry tried to soften his answer but the damage had been done. It will raise doubts about the authenticity of any future statements on injured players.
Small beer, maybe, and probably incidental with the All Blacks' victorious start to the season, but it was a blip that reminded too many of the uncomfortable information flow during the last regime.
McCaw is expected to be fit for Saturday's test against Argentina in Hamilton.
If England felt jaded during their trip, Argentina are likely to be exhausted after losing their second test yesterday to Wales before the long flight from Buenos Aires and bussing to Hamilton.
