Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry hasn’t minced his words when asked for his thoughts on the current Wallabies, panning them as “the worst I have ever seen”.
The 70-year-old made the comments on New Zealand radio on Saturday, the same day Australia take on Argentina in Perth in the Rugby Championship and a week after they ended a six-match losing streak with victory over South Africa in Brisbane.
That dismal patch included two heavy losses to the All Blacks to once again concede the Bledisloe Cup, which the Wallabies haven’t held aloft since 2002.
“It’s a concern,” Henry, who was coach of the 2011 World Cup-winning All Blacks, told Newstalk ZB.
“We haven’t played South Africa yet, but they got beaten by Australia and they are woeful.
“I think it’s probably the worst Australian team I have ever seen and that’s a real worry for the game.”
The All Blacks will claim another Rugby Championship crown by beating the Springboks in Christchurch on Saturday night, but he was heavily pessimistic about the current standing of New Zealand’s two old southern hemisphere rivals.
“You want Australia playing rugby and you want Australia playing well and you want South Africa to be doing the same thing,” he said.
“But South Africa have probably lost half of their Tests over the last three years.”
The All Blacks have lost just four times to the Wallabies in the last 30 Tests, while they are unbeaten in 14 straight Tests and unbeaten at home in 43 matches since 2009.
Kelven
Guest
I don't think anyone cares Pete
Kelven
Guest
He's not sledging you brother. He's just observing that this is the worst Aussie team he has seen in years. I have to agree with him. I have always loved watching the WB's due to their skill and flair. I can't see any this year and it is a real shame for the country the team and the sport. The world needs a strong WB team and they need to get their act together.
Kelven
Guest
Moniano, I cant believe you said that! Australians are the inventors of sports trash talk. Obviously you just don't like an honest appraisal of where the team is at. The guy is a world cup winning coach and 70 years old. I reckon he may know what he is talking about and be worth listening to. Harden up son
Akari
Roar Rookie
The drop in the standard of rugby in Oz so soon after the 2015 RWC is alarming and a real concern. The retirement of Richie, DC, Nonu and other ABs were supposed to be the great equaliser for all but the WBs have clearly gone backwards, Moaniano, while England has gone the other way. I agree with Sir Henry Graham and I haven't seen anything to show that the WBs will be competitive enough to win back the number 2 ranking when they next meet England in November this year..
Jerry
Guest
Bonjour Scott Tenorman.
Jeffrey
Guest
Boatie, if people were to listen to the interview (link posted above), Henry and the host were actually not mocking Aussie rugby, but were genuinely concerned for the state of Wallaby and world rugby. Henry actually wants the Wallabies to be great again. People just reading the one quote from Henry would of course jump to the conclusion you just did, and I don't blame them, but they are getting the wrong idea about the context of Henry's statement.
Lara
Guest
Henry is giving his opinion, take it or leave it . Henry might have a hidden agenda , but he has been a straight shooter in the past .
Dave
Guest
Cry me a river
Jeffrey
Guest
The french player eye gouges McCaw and doesn't get a red, not even a penalty against him. Mate, I could pick so many calls that went against NZ in that final as well and create a video of it, but have better things to do. France had so much possession and couldn't do anything with it, that's not a team that deserves to win a world cup final. That video just shows how much jealousy and hatred opposition fans have for the ABs. So pathetic but I am loving the pain we cause you guys.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Many loved Gregans actions, like it was some kind of amazing sledge. But Gregan really should have been screaming those words in a mirror, because the following week he didn't win and had to wait enough four years, then another four...and still going with nothing. Never to see the Bledisloe again...
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Yes Moniano, I remember the humility of the Wallabies so beautifully demonstrated by that doyen of class George Gregan. Standing over a defeated foe & yelling '4 more years' in his face. What a great example of humility indeed!
moniano
Guest
We did have technology in 2011 - copies of the RWC 2011 final - great ones provided by youtube. In particular https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7C6bTHyC0U and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXCQnL421WM. Funny technology dont lie. It does not have emotion.
Peter Robinson
Roar Rookie
If you are addressing me, then realize that I am a Kiwi and an All Black supporter.
Boatie
Roar Rookie
Who cares? Henry is pompous & patronising, typifying the hubris that envelopes NZ rugby & their arrogant supporters.
Terry
Guest
Harden up thats not trash talk Henry was just making an honest observation aussies like honest direct conversations so whats the problem? You want to hear trash talk listain to league players it is part of their vocabulary. Secondly he is right on the money i am hoping that the WBs do come right as it is great for our wonerful game imagine the ABs and WBs playing at the level we are seeing NZ playing at that would be spectacle
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Calling a spade a spade. Graham Henry is right. Take it on the chin, Australia. Australa needs new blood not only players, but the cosching team.
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
Henry is paid to comment. Follow the money. Also his relevance is questionable
Porkie
Guest
Just because he's right don't mean he should shut up, what does the ARU think of his comment, or are you speaking for them ,if you are mabey you should shrug that chip off your shoulder and get busy on a new game plan
Rebel
Guest
Why should he shut up, he was interviewed for comment as an ex coach. Much like Bob Dwyer is regularly. It's just an opinion and judging by the comments above, one that is partly shared by some Wallaby supporters. I dont agree personally, but they did lose 6 in a row although have had a couple of steadying wins.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Though it's pleasing to know the words of Justin Marshall are taken as gospel over the ditch.