Henry was the catalyst for change

New Zealand view: Murray Kidd

Kiwi rugby fans are amazed at how well the All Blacks have played and equally astounded by the patent lack of preparedness of a Lions side that was touted as invincible.

Post second test and marvelling at the combined abilities of Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw, rugby followers are searching for the magic ingredient. Just how did the series success and the ease of victories occur?

The foundations of this All Black team were lain during the controversial reign of John Mitchell. Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams, Rodney So'oialo, Jerry Collins, McCaw, Carter, Aaron Mauger and Mils Muliaina were all introduced to international rugby during Mitchell's time as All Black coach. But despite having a team loaded with all these stars, the team's disastrous showing against Australia during the 2003 World Cup semi-final remains etched in the annals of New Zealand rugby lowlights.

The catalyst for getting the best out of this same group of players is undoubtedly Graham Henry. Although an extremely successful coach in New Zealand with Auckland and the Blues, Henry is the first to admit that his experiences in the northern hemisphere coaching Wales and, more importantly, the Lions in Australia in 2001 proved key to how he now manages his players.

Ironically, many of his problems in Australia were instigated by the [then Mr] Clive Woodward-coached England players. The selection of Henry over Woodward for that tour was a decision that didn't sit well with the Englishman and I recall thinking at the time that BSkyB's invitation to Woodward to tour Australia as an analyst was likely to provoke tensions.

Henry's style has always been very low key but it is obvious that his past experiences as headmaster of a large secondary school are well utilised in his ability to organise and manage people. In his recently released book, former All Black prop Kees Meeuws writes that he thinks teachers, current or past, make the best coaches because they've learned to relate to all types of students. In his opinion, Henry is one of the best.

Henry's organisational nous became apparent when he selected former All Black coach Wayne Smith as his assistant. Smith is widely acknowledged as the best technical backs coach in New Zealand. The players, have blossomed under his tutelage.

Also, aligning himself with his coaching partner in Wales, Steve Hansen, Henry has been able to work on two key areas. Each training session is finished off with a 20 minute skills session, the results of which are obvious. Passes that previously would have been termed 50/50 are now being held and the All Blacks are able to pass out of contact, a skill that has increased their confidence levels.

Henry has also rectified the problem that contributed to Mitchell's downfall team leadership not just by appointing Tana Umaga as captain, but by encouraging all the team to take on more responsibility.

Henry was criticised for not taking Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall on last year's end of season tour. But he stood steadfast, his reasoning that Carter was going to be the next All Black outhalf but was too quiet to command an attack. By removing Marshall and Mehrtens, there was no one for Carter to hide behind and he was forced to either front up or fail. After his virtuoso performance in Wellington and the endorsement from Umaga, who insisted it was Carter calling the shots, it's apparent that Henry's call was instrumental in creating the man many are now hailing as the best outhalf in world rugby.

Most observers, as well as those within the All Blacks, credit Henry's management style as the deciding factor of this series win. Unlike the New Zealand perception of his adversary, Henry has no apparent ego and the All Black coaching trio appears to work on trust and confidence.

I can't help thinking that after his role in 2001, when it became Woodward's turn to be king of the Lions, he decided to draft in every coach of the four nations (that make up Lions selection) to keep them under his control. That gamble has misfired.

Although there are a couple of significant injuries in the All Black camp to Carter and Mauger Henry has given every indication that even with the series won he will pick his very best side with a view to completing a 3-0 series whitewash this weekend. The All Black coach may have an unassuming nature and little ego compared to his rival, but he does know how to win.