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Former coach Sir Graham Henry believes super-sub Sonny Bill Williams deserved to be named man of the match in the All Blacks’ 26-16 opening win over Argentina at the Rugby World Cup.
Henry, who oversaw New Zealand’s 2011 triumph on home soil, believed the rusty nature of the All Blacks’ performance was an ideal way to begin the tournament.
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They trailed the pugnacious Pumas 16-12 nearing the final quarter before powering clear with two late tries.
Former NRL star Williams helped spark the revival, immediately making inroads after replacing Ma’a Nonu at inside centre seven minutes into the second half.
Henry says Williams, who has struggled for his best form during an injury-plagued 2015, led a powerhouse performance from the All Blacks reserve bench.
“Sonny Bill Williams should have been man of the match in my opinion,” Henry told the Paul Henry Show.
“He opened the game up, he offloaded, he broke up the Argentinians.”
Henry says the All Blacks were the second-best team on the field for the first 60min but they could ultimately be happy with the outcome.
“That’s a great way to start the tournament. No injuries and four points, and they’ll get better from here,” he said.
“They needed the game. They were rusty, they looked flat, they weren’t sharp and Argentina played with more passion.”
Henry, who took up an advisory coaching role with the Pumas in 2012, believes they have improved considerably as an international force, playing more comfortably with width and athleticism.
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