Former Springbok coach Jake White believes the All Blacks have made a “wonderful masterstroke” by bringing back Sir Graham Henry as a selector.
Henry, who guided New Zealand to World Cup glory in 2011, will work alongside new head coach Dave Rennie and assistant Neil Barnes as the All Blacks attempt to close the gap on the world champion Springboks.
HENRY: All Blacks face biggest challenge
White, who coached South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title, believes Henry’s influence will extend far beyond selection meetings.
“It’s a wonderful masterstroke,” White told RugbyPass.
“He is an unbelievable selector.
“There’s no way he’s just a selector. He’s going to be a confidant and a motivator for players. He’s going to be a sounding board for the coaches.”
Henry is 79, but White says his experience and presence will be invaluable in an All Blacks environment under pressure to reclaim top spot in world rugby.
“Imagine him sitting at breakfast and talking to the All Blacks about winning the World Cup,” said White.
White also praised New Zealand Rugby’s commitment to preserving the prestige of the black jersey.
“They’re not prepared to negotiate on their mantra. The All Blacks come first and to be an All Black is a massive honour.”
MORE: Former Bok fears ‘underdog’ All Blacks
The former Bulls coach said Henry’s excitement about returning to the setup underlines what the jersey still means to those who have worn it.
“To get a guy like Graham Henry, who probably thought he would never walk into an All Blacks changing room again, an opportunity like that is phenomenal.”
White added that rugby teams should make greater use of former coaches and players, arguing that there is a wealth of knowledge to be tapped from those who have already succeeded at the highest level.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post Jake: Henry not just a selector appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok coach Jake White believes the All Blacks have made a “wonderful masterstroke” by bringing back Sir Graham Henry as a selector.
The post Jake: Henry not just a selector appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
