Henry still best man - Edwards

LONDON - Great halfback Gareth Edwards has called for critics to lay off New Zealand coach Graham Henry, after a form slump by Wales.

Murmurings of Welsh discontent with Henry became more audible this month when an injury-stricken Wales were thrashed 6-36 at home by Ireland. who went on to topple Six Nations champions England last weekend.

Widely regarded as the greatest Welsh player, Edwards said yesterday that Henry was still the right man for the job and should be given more time.

Wales play Argentina and Tonga before meeting world champions Australia in Cardiff on November 25.

"The performance against Ireland raised a lot of questions, but we should wait to judge the Welsh side after the autumn matches," Edwards said.

"Argentina will be a difficult side and Tonga will be very physical. Then we have Australia, and their world championship status speaks for itself. After that people will see what state Welsh rugby is in."

Henry, the former Auckland Blues Super 12 coach, reportedly upset Welsh players in the Lions by confining most of them to the midweek team on the unhappy tour of Australia.

He has been labelled as overpaid, and accused of coaching flair out of the Welsh side.

But Edwards said Henry still had his complete backing.

"I can't think of anybody else who jumps up immediately and gets rid of their coaches like we do," he said.

"The Welsh are notorious for getting rid of their coaches and there is already too long a list of previous employers. I think Graham Henry has done a lot of good things for Welsh rugby and he is right for this job."

Wales face Argentina at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on November 10.

* Springbok captain Bob Skinstad will head the cream of South African rugby in the Currie Cup final between defending champions Western Province and the Natal Sharks tomorrow.

The match features 15 of the 28-strong Springbok squad, with Western Province fielding eight of them, including Skinstad, in their attempt to land a record 31st title.

Western Province won last year's encounter 25-15, but this match promises to be closer, given the increased maturity of the Sharks in their third consecutive final.

The Durban-based Sharks, with seven Springboks, are in their first full season under Rudolf Straeuli, who has recaptured the glory days of Natal rugby, filling the void left by the departure of Ian McIntosh.

"Western Province have built up a fantastic record, especially over the last decade," Straeuli said. "But the past won't have any influence on the outcome on the final. We know we will have to be at our very best because we will be taking on the Currie Cup champions in their own backyard."

Western Province captain Corne Krige, who led them to the title last season, said: "The Currie Cup final is something that can be won or lost on a forward pass, a bad decision or bad luck. There is nothing that can prepare you for it."

- AGENCIES