HENRY KEEPS JOB FOR ANOTHER 2YRS, AWESOME:

Graham Henry has been reappointed as head coach of New Zealand after being forced to reapply for the job following a poor World Cup.
Henry's side were favourites to lift this year's World Cup before losing to France in the quarter-finals.

The New Zealand Rugby Union handed the 61-year-old a two-year deal after he got the nod ahead of Colin Cooper, Robbie Deans and Ian Foster.

New Zealand have won 42 of 48 matches under Henry.

During that time they have taken the Tri-Nations title in 2005, 2006 and 2007, completed a series whitewash against the British and Irish Lions and a grand slam over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Henry, who was first appointed after the World Cup in 2003, endured criticism for his squad rotation policy and decision to rest key players for most of the Super 14 season.

But the NZRU said he was still the best man for the job.

"Graham's record, both on and off the field, is among the best in All Blacks rugby history," said acting NZRU chairman Mike Eagle.

"He has set a very high standard in coaching, player management, and integration with the wider New Zealand rugby community.

"He has given a lot in a successful period for our game and the Board is convinced he has more to give the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby."

Henry, the former Wales and Lions coach, said he was grateful for the chance to continue.

"We have learnt lessons from this campaign and we now look forward to being able to build on those learnings and the experience we have," Henry said.

Eagle added: "We are all disappointed not to have won the Rugby World Cup. In that regard, the NZRU Board accepts it was jointly responsible and accountable for the result and the planning that went into the campaign.

"We are committed to learning the key lessons, which will be explored in the independent review announced earlier this week led by Mike Heron and high performance expert Don Tricker."

New Zealand won the inaugural World Cup in 1987 but have since struggled to peak at the four-yearly tournament.

Their only other final appearance ended in a loss to the Springboks in South Africa in 1995.