New Zealand coach Graham Henry urges his team to “smash the Welsh”
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has urged his team to “smash” the Welsh ahead of their Test at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 27 November.
The former Wales coach is keen to record a Grand Slam over the home nations, as they prepare for next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Speaking at a press conference, Henry said, "I would like to see us smash the Welsh really, because I am coaching New Zealand now and it's the final game of the series and we want to make a statement."
However, having worked within the Welsh set up, the coach knows that his team will have to perform against a Welsh team that will be hurting after their disappointing 16-16 draw with Fiji. "They will be
disappointed at what happened against Fiji, but it's part of the Welsh psyche. When they are expected to win, and win well, they don't. But they should have beaten South Africa, they just had a bad 10 minutes and they will play well on the weekend, said Henry.
Wales lost 29-25 to South Africa, but they allowed the Springboks to complete a stunning come-back. The Welsh coach Warren Gatland has recalled most of the players who featured in the fixture and as a
result Henry has kept a strong side to face the Welsh. "They are an excellent side on paper. Four of their front five played for their Lions in South Africa so they have a good foundation, they also have the half-backs, (Mike) Phillips and (Stephen) Jones
at nine and 10, who were first choice for the Lions,” said Henry.
Henry will be looking for another clinical display by his team and he believes that the All Blacks will have to overcome a Welsh team that will perform on Saturday. "The Welsh will play exceptionally well
this weekend. The recent past will motivate them, they are playing the All Blacks which brings the best out of them and it will be exceptionally difficult,” he said.
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