Blacks bosses backing beleaguered coaches

THE New Zealand Rugby Union is backing under-fire coaches Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith and has shrugged off criticism it should have waited until the end of the year before deciding whether or not to re-appoint them.

The trio’s reappointment until the end of 2011 was announced shortly before the start of the Tri-Nations competition after three stuttering performances against France and Italy.

But following two losses against the Springboks in South Africa – which were littered with basic errors, lack of composure and a suspect game-plan – many are questioning if the three men are the right ones to lead the team into the World Cup in two years’ time.