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Graham Henry believes he still has plenty to offer the All Blacks - and he has the full support of his World Cup co-coaches in seeking another term.
In a carefully worded statement released through the NZRU last night, Henry confirmed he was among the applicants for the
coaching job.
Henry's application was backed by his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, the other members of the coaching panel that guided the team during its unsuccessful World Cup challenge.
"I have applied for the All Blacks coaching position because I believe I can add further value," Henry said. "I'm passionate about coaching and this team."
Henry's statement also admitted culpability for the World Cup failure, something he had been criticised for not doing previously.
"Obviously the Rugby World Cup was a big disappointment and I am responsible, but I believe we can learn from that experience and develop into an even stronger All Blacks team in the future," he said.
Smith said he supported Henry and would be available to coach with him again.
"We're all gutted by the World Cup result, especially after the success the team had in the four years before that," he said. "Personally, it has made me more determined to look for improvements and to find a new level of success if given the chance."
Hansen also said Henry had his full support.
"I believe that we three coaches have worked well together over the last four years," he said. "We have learned a lot, both from our 42 wins and our six losses. We'd like the opportunity to use that knowledge to improve the team further."
The NZRU confirmed it had received seven applications for the position but said the Privacy Act prevented it from naming the applicants.
Shortlisted applicants would be asked to reveal their identities, said rugby committee chairman Mike Eagle.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, Chiefs coach Ian Foster and Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper had already confirmed their intention to apply before yesterday's deadline.
Auckland coach Pat Lam didn't apply.
Lam's two national championship titles in the past three seasons may have earned him some consideration but his lack of Super 14 experience would have counted against him.
"Super 14 is where I want to go to next," he said. "I feel I'm ready for that level."
Lam said he had turned down lucrative offers from English and Irish clubs following Auckland's unbeaten campaign this year as he wanted to remain in his home town region.
"The team I'd really like to coach is the Blues," he said.
If the dominoes fall his way, Lam could get that chance sooner rather than later.
If Deans wins the race for the All Blacks job, Blues coach David Nucifora would become favourite for the vacant Wallabies job. Nucifora has been given an assurance by the ARU that he could complete his Blues duties but, with Lam waiting in the wings as a ready-made replacement, that might not be deemed necessary. Lam is contracted to coach Auckland for two more seasons.
With Henry and his cohorts having thrown their hats firmly back into the ring, the NZRU board must now decide if it wants to risk losing Deans to Australia in order to persevere with the regime that failed in France.
