Henry’s warning

FORMER All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry has fended off claims that All Black fans are arrogant.

The arrogance tag came out again from the UK as the Kieran Read-captained team prepared for the Rugby World Cup - via British journalist Stephen Jones in response to reactions in New Zealand after the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship loss to the Wallabies.

Thousands of All Blacks fans will make their presence - and their confidence - felt at World Cup venues in Japan. Meanwhile 9346km away loads of All Black fans are brimming with expectation over the side’s hopes, particularly after the team started the tournament with a 23-13 win against the Springboks.

Sir Henry - who coached the All Blacks to the 2011 RWC triumph says arrogant was definitely the wrong word to use to describe the side’s fans.

He warned that followers of the side may have to temper their hopes of future world dominance due to “chinks” developing within New Zealand rugby.

Henry said fans had to be wary of expectations given the number of teams who could win this year’s event.

“I think they probably understand that this World Cup is going to be very competitive,” the former coach said of fans.

“We shouldn’t feel we need to win every Rugby World Cup. I know that’s the expectation.

“That expectation is good, but I think also the expectation is reasonably grounded. ”

Henry pointed out that Ireland had beaten the All Blacks twice out of the past three times they had played. South Africa also has enjoyed a win and a draw over the All Blacks in the past two seasons.