How Graham Henry Transformed the All Blacks

Gregor Paul

A NEW ZEALAND BESTSELLER!!

Since taking over the job of All Black coach in December 2003, Graham Henry has revolutionised the way New Zealand views its national rugby team. He inherited a team that had not only capitulated in the semi-final of the World Cup – alluding to a psychological frailty that had infested New Zealand players – but also a team that had become divorced from the public after coach John Mitchell shunned media, sponsors and New Zealand Rugby Union executives. Henry has taken the view that if he does the same old things he’ll get the same old results so has flouted convention throughout his tenure to try and give the All Blacks the best possible chance of winning the World Cup in 2007. He has introduced a radical rotational policy as he chases his dream of building two genuine test-quality teams, unearthed a host of global stars, unified the individual Super 14 franchises to support his cause, attempted to broaden the life skills of the players, kicked out the booze culture and created one of the best rugby sides ever seen.

This book reveals how he has managed to succeed in areas where so many of his predecessors have failed. It is the ultimate journey behind the scenes of the All Black camp, detailing the key decisions and policies – how they were made and why they were made.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gregor Paul is a sports journalist for The Herald on Sunday specialising in rugby. In recent years he has followed the All Blacks around the world to report first-hand on their matches. He has also talked to many All Blacks and officials, both past and present, and interviewed Graham Henry on many occasions. Gregor’s first book, Hard Men Fight Back, was published by Exisle in August 2006. Gregor was raised in Scotland and now lives in Auckland with his wife and family.

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Reviews

"It is a pleasure to read a rugby book that is not a ghost written, over-wrought rehash of a great player's career, or a tour book with its lack of insights into the reality of touring and the clash of personalities that intense rugby relationships create. Paul has tried to come to terms with the culture of rugby at the highest levels and has made a persuasive case for his main thesis. The text is a joy. Paul has a rugby nous." Dominion Post

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SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 234 x 153 mm
Format: Cased with jacket
Extent: 224 pages
Includes photographs
Weight: 700 gms
Publication date: July 2007
ISBN: 978-0-908988-77-8