The All Black coaching team: Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith. Photo / Amos Chapple
Four years ago, I was among those who said Robbie Deans should have been given the job.
But if Graham Henry wins on Sunday, we'll look at him as the guy who got it right. We'll say the board made the correct decision four years ago when they reappointed him.
Especially when a big percentage of the population thought he shouldn't have got the job. But they did, and it looks like they have been proved to have made the right decision.
So what for the future? I suggested to the NZRU council after the 1995 World Cup that then coach Laurie Mains should be picked for a year after the World Cup. It's a transition, and gives the new selectors three years to get their team right.
Now, I'd like to see some young up-and-coming coaches join the frame, Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie and others on the fringes. But there's got to be some very careful thinking. They have to be very careful who they pick.
If Warren Gatland and Robbie Deans are tied up for a few more years there's not a lot on the ground for head coach material to replace Henry.
