All Blacks' New Cycle Could Lead to 2011 Success

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Graham Henry took control of an All Black team after the 2003 World Cup that had lost to the Wallabies despite both John Mitchell and Robbie Deans implementing what had been quite possibly the most effective offensive game plan ever seen by an international test team.

It was a game plan that in a five week period had the All Blacks put 50+ points on Wales, South Africa and Australia; the latter two in the great strongholds of Pretoria and Sydney.

But in the return matches against their old Tri Nations foes, the gap closed as both Eddie Jones and Rudolf Straeuli came close to countering the All Blacks strategy.  Jones then pulled off what was no doubt his finest hour as coach, knocking New Zealand out of the World Cup tournament.

In a sense, this began a disturbing modern trend for the All Blacks.

That at times, if their Plan A is countered, they found it difficult to adjust to an alternate game plan.

With a heartbreaking 18-20 loss to France in Cardiff, it was an awkward déjà vu for them again.

In this match—as it was in 2003—and in the recent games against the Springboks, we saw a similar methodology employed by Graham Henry’s men that his predecessors before him had tried.  An all out attacking style that despite not reaping the results intended was certainly watchable.

One wonders how often the All Blacks head coach and the NZRU chief executive Steve Tew converse in regards to their marquee teams approach.

Tew remarked earlier this year when referring to the Super 15 that ultimately, rugby was “about entertainment”.  Certainly, the All Blacks are considered the ambassadors of making our great game as pleasurable as possible to the viewing eye.

Incongruously for their devotees, all of the flair in the world doesn’t cut it when losing.

But there is no doubting Henry, despite some sceptics arguing that being at the helm of an international test team for six years is too long, is constantly looking to mix it up for his side.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?