Henry: 'Perhaps we're arrogant'
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:53
An international Test between the Boks and the All Blacks, like this Saturday's pivotal Tri-Nations' showdown at Newlands, is considered the No.1 rugby contest in the world - amongst South Africans and Kiwis at least.
At a media gathering in Cape Town this week, All Black head coach Graham Henry spoke of "the biggest challenge in world rugby" when asked about the enormity of an All Black and Springbok encounter.
"We can say that because we're South Africans and Kiwis sitting here," said Henry.
"If there were English, French or Australians here they would probably think we were arrogant, but that's our background. That's what we were brought up on in New Zealand (NZ) at least and I assume it's similar in South Africa (SA)," he added.
The South African rugby faithful are the sorest of losers at the best of times, which is understandable if one were to take a peak into the Springbok trophy cabinet - SA is a proud and traditionally successful rugby nation.
Henry admits the winning culture in New Zealand is no different, which for a coach has fairly dire implications.
"There's always pressure in All Black rugby, it's just part of the deal really," he said.
"There's pressure for the All Blacks to do well, pressure for them to win, and no excuses for getting beaten.
"That's just the way of life in New Zealand rugby I'm afraid, and it's something you've got to handle and live with," the coach added.
Henry recalled witnessing his first Test match in 1956 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch - against the Springboks - in a series in which the All Blacks were overall winners. Lest Kiwis forget however, the Boks had a clean sweep [4-0] against the All Blacks during their previous series in 1949.
"The country [NZ] was in mourning for a while [in 1949] because rugby was pretty important in New Zealand," said Henry.
"So they had to resurrect the game. New Zealand won that series [in 1956] 3-1 and everybody was proud again. That was a good few years ago and I was very young - and it's always been the same.
"The traditional fixtures between SA and the All Blacks is the number one sporting occasion in New Zealand.
"When the All Blacks play the Springboks, everybody's on edge and it's because of the history and tradition, and because SA are such a great side - they're world champions and we've got a huge amount of respect for them.
"People travel miles to see it, and talk about it for weeks after. It's the number one rugby contest in the world, and long may it continue," he added.
By Nick Pawson
