All Blacks head coach Graham Henry concerned about length of Super Rugby season - Rugby news
Graham Henry, the head coach of All Blacks is fed up with the time-consuming Super Rugby season. He expressed his views while meeting with his Wallabies matching part Robbie Deans on Friday, 27 May, during a Union lunch. Talking to the reporters after the
meal he said that the long season can affect the player’s performance in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
The Rugby World Cup is kicking-off later this year from ninth September in New Zealand. The three top teams, including World Cup host, New Zealand, Defending Champions South Africa and Australia are recently engaged in Super Rugby season since 18th
February. The season would further continue until the end of June.
The recent Super Rugby campaign has caused many injuries to players. Crusaders, a New Zealander derby, sustained more than ten injuries in the matches played up to now.
Talking about the length of Super Rugby Henry said that, “I'm a little bit worried and concerned about the length of Super Rugby and how that's going to take the edge off people. How we handle these guys when they get out of Super Rugby and into the international
environment is going to be pretty critical. We've won 19 out of our last 20 matches, but it means nothing going into this Rugby World Cup.”
The All Blacks are very keen to win this year’s largest event as they have had a long drought of major success at the event. They last lifted the trophy back in 1987, which was also the first World Cup in rugby history.
Henry told the media that as a host, New Zealand has a rare chance of repeating history. New Zealand won the last title as a co-host with Australia.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, also spoke at the occasion and said that his side is also a strong aspirant for the World title. He added that his key players would be back for his side to send a stronger team into the World Cup. He too has injury concerns
with a couple of players, including Rock Elsom, are suffering from devastating injuries.
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