Henry relishes 'intriguing' challenge
Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:37
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New Zealand coach Graham Henry said the prospect of the All Blacks facing Kiwi heartbreakers France in the opening match of the 2011 World Cup was "intriguing".
The two nations have been drawn alongside each other in the pool phase, reviving memories of two dramatic World Cup clashes.
Last year France defeated New Zealand in the quarterfinals with a 20-18 win in Cardiff, having ended the hopes of a Jonah Lomu inspired All Black side with an even more improbable 43-31 victory at Twickenham in 1999.
But the losers of their next World Cup clash are still likely to have a good chance of remaining in the tournament and could face England in the last eight.
Tri-Nations champions New Zealand are the world's top-ranked side and they have just completed a grand slam of wins over the four Home Unions of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England without conceding a try.
However, the fact remains they've won the World Cup just once when they staged the inaugural tournament in 1987.
As with many of the subsequent editions, the All Blacks are on course to be the favourites in 2011 and the prospect of failing to lift the trophy on their home soil is not one many Kiwi fans will want to dwell on for too long.
"It is three years away, and a lot can happen in three years - teams get stronger and teams deteriorate," said Henry, following Monday's draw for the 20-team tournament.
"The France versus All Blacks aspect in the pool is intriguing and will create a lot of interest. That is what we want in the game.
"It's nice to meet them in a pool game when not everything depends on winning," added Henry who, together with assistants coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith was retained his job despite last year's loss to 'Les Bleus'.
Looking ahead, the former Wales coach said: "This is great for New Zealand to put ourselves on the map.
"We did that with the Lions in 2005, and this is going to be even greater.
"It's marvellous for the country and marvellous for positivity, which is particularly what we need in New Zealand.
"If it's a France-New Zealand opener to the tournament then great, give it profile."
International Rugby Board (IRB) rankings were used for the first time in Monday's draw, held inside a giant inflatable Tourism New Zealand rugby ball, to seed the teams.
That meant the world's top four nations - New Zealand, the world champions South Africa, Australia and Argentina were kept apart.
So too were the sides ranked fifth to eighth - Wales, England, France and Ireland and the same applied for the teams occupying ninth to 12th places, a group including Scotland.
The remaining eight places will be filled by qualifiers with the likes of Samoa, Georgia, Canada, Japan and Romania all looking to make their mark on the 2011 tournament.
If, and it is a big if, current form holds good by 2011, the potential quarterfinal line-up could see New Zealand facing Argentina, South Africa playing Ireland, Australia up against Six Nations champions Wales and England clashing with France.
IRB and World Cup Chairman Bernard Lapasset and New Zealand World Cup Chairman Jock Hobbs, a former All Black captain, conducted the draw.
"It's going to be qualifying matches from the first day," said Lapasset.
"The teams are going to have to be extra vigilant," the Frenchman added.
Organisers hope to announce the match schedule in March.
AFP
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