Henry reapplies for old job

Rugby:All Blacks coach Graham Henry has reapplied for his job following the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) decision to make the position contestable after the team's failed World Cup campaign.

Henry (61) had until midday yesterday to apply for the job after the NZRU rejected a proposal to reappoint his coaching team, which included Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, after the All Blacks were knocked out in the World Cup quarter-finals.

"I have applied for the All Blacks coaching position because I believe I can add further value," Henry said in a statement. "I'm passionate about coaching and this team.

"Obviously the Rugby World Cup was a big disappointment and I am responsible, but I believe we can learn from that experience and develop into an even stronger All Blacks team in the future."

The NZRU said that seven candidates had applied for the job. It declined to name any applicants due to privacy legislation. "Once a shortlist of candidates is finalised we intend to ask the applicants to agree to be named, given the strong public interest in both the role and the process," NZRU board member Mike Eagle said.

Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, who was also suggested as a candidate for the vacant Australian coaching job, Ian Foster (Waikato Chiefs) and Colin Cooper (Wellington Hurricanes) are all reported to have applied for the position.

Deans has been touted by the New Zealand media as the hot favourite to succeed Henry after winning four Super titles and reaching two other finals and a semi-final in his eight years in charge of the Christchurch-based franchise.

Henry's deputies Smith and Hansen both said they would be happy to work with him again as a panel. "Graham has my full support. I believe that we three coaches have worked well together over the last four years," said Hansen. "We have learned a lot . . . (and) we'd like the opportunity to use that knowledge to improve the team further."

New Zealand won 42 of 48 matches under Henry, taking the Tri-Nations title in 2005, 2006 and 2007, completing a series whitewash against the British and Irish Lions and a grand slam over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. They went into this year's World Cup in France as overwhelming favourites to win the Webb Ellis Cup but were controversially beaten by the French in a match marred by refereeing errors. A decision is expected by the end of December.