All Blacks have Everest to climb, claims Henry
The new All Blacks coach also hailed England's attention to detail and the foundations for success that have been laid in English domestic rugby.
But perhaps, most significantly of all, he has suggested a move away from the Super 12's "glorified sevens" style for New Zealand to rediscover hard-edged basic rugby rudiments.
Henry's is preparing for his debut test in charge against England at Carisbrook tomorrow.
The England squad flew to Dunedin from their Auckland base, bidding for a third successive victory over the All Blacks in 20 months after claiming just four wins in the previous 97 years.
While England can look forward to defending their world crown at France 2007, New Zealand's wait for global supremacy will have stretched to 20 years. They last lifted the Webb Ellis trophy on home soil in 1987.
"It's Everest, basically, a huge challenge," said Henry, when asked how tough it will be to try to end England's reign as world champions.
"But it is always going to be like that. England are world champions, France are getting better, Ireland have really impressed me, so for the likes of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it's a major challenge.
"We've got a respect for rugby in Europe, and in particular, a respect for rugby in England.
"The foundations of the game are particularly strong in the Premiership. It's a huge battle every week in most games, which provides a marvellous foundation for the international team.
"Wayne Smith, Steve Hansen and myself (All Blacks coaching team) have all experienced and seen it first-hand, and we've got a great respect for what is being produced.
"There is a good work ethic there, and a professionalism in the game. The quality of the game they are trying to produce unit skills and individual skills has a major emphasis, which there hasn't been here.
"We have concentrated on the Jonah Lomus, the Jeff Wilsons and the Tana Umagas to do something brilliant to win a game of rugby, and we haven't concentrated enough on the efficiency of unit play and individuals to produce a top team," he added.
"We've got a game here, the Super 12, which is the basis for international selection. It is played in the summer, on hard grounds in 25-degree temperatures and becomes a glorified game of sevens. You can win rugby playing that style in those conditions.
"But when you play in Dunedin on June 12 at 7.35pm, it's the middle of winter, like it is in December and January in the UK, so it is a totally different ball game."
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