The Reign of King Henry: How Graham Henry Transformed the All Blacks

Description

Since taking over the job of All Black coach in December 2003, Graham Henry has revolutionised the way New Zealand views its national rugby team. He inherited a team that had not only capitulated in the semi-final of the World Cup - alluding to a psychological frailty that had infested New Zealand players - but also a team that had become divorced from the public after coach John Mitchell shunned media, sponsors and New Zealand Rugby Union executives. Henry has taken the view that if he does the same old things he'll get the same old results so has flouted convention throughout his tenure to try and give the All Blacks the best possible chance of winning the World Cup in 2007. He has introduced a radical rotational policy as he chases his dream of building two genuine test-quality teams, unearthed a host of global stars, unified the individual Super 14 franchises to support his cause, attempted to broaden the life skills of the players, kicked out the booze culture and created one of the best rugby sides ever seen. As a consequence, New Zealand will travel to France for the World Cup as red-hot favourites This book reveals how he has managed to succeed in areas where so many of his predecessors have failed. It is the ultimate journey behind the scenes of the All Black camp, detailing the key decisions and policies - how they were made and why they were made.

Gregor Paul is an award-winning sports journalist and specialist rugby writer for The Herald on Sunday. He has closely followed Graham Henry's career as All Black coach and has accompanied the team on most of their travels, including their 2005 Grand Slam tour. His first book, Hard Men Fight Back, was published to glowing reviews in 2006. Originally from Scotland, he now lives in Auckland with his wife and two children.