Crusaders captain Kieran Read believes Graham Henry deserves plenty of credit for the Blues' superb start to the season.
The Auckland-based franchise are on a high after claiming a thrilling 34-20 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend.
And Read is convinced that New Zealand's World Cup winning coach, who is part of the Blues coaching staff as a technical advisor, played a major part in that victory.
The Crusaders kick off their campaign against the Blues on Saturday and Read is particularly wary of the Aucklanders' back-line which he believes has benefited greatly from Henry's influence.
"I think the way they backed themselves and gave licence to the players, that's probably how 'Ted' likes to use guys," Read told Fairfax Media.
The back-rower is amongst those players whose game thrived under Henry's coaching when he played under him for the All Blacks between 2008 and 2011.
"He's one to install a lot of confidence in players and has his way of doing that," added Read.
I guess within the structure they do play it allows them to showcase that talent they obviously do have - they are natural athletes.
"Hopefully we can make them go a bit as individuals and away from their game plan."
Comments
Kiwi_Ruck says...
Hmm ... let's see. Should Peter Sloane get credit for the Blues S12 win in 2003 or should G Henry?
Well Sloane was in charge for 5 years and they were utter shite 4 out of 5 years. It's definitely Henry making a difference.
Posted 21:51 08th March 2013
georgesmith says...
@ Powerplay... Mate, get your facts straight. G. Henry was there. How come you forgot the whole wee-wa about G. Henry ' helping' the Bues. G. Henry is a legend and that's it. He is nothing more. Let J. Kirwan get the credit he deserves.
Posted 12:20 07th March 2013
powerplay says...
George...Graham Henry was not involved last year as technical advisor, in fact...he was very far from the blues last year.
Posted 23:21 01st March 2013
georgesmith says...
K. Read seems to be full of bullshit. J. Kirwan is the man behind the Blues rise and not G. Henry. G. Henry was there last year as well and we all know what happened. So stupid of K. Read to give all credit to G. Henry. Sucker...
Posted 01:37 01st March 2013
hellovanite says...
Really give JK some credit please, seems to me that everywhere Henry goes he takes credit.... massive yawn!
Posted 00:50 01st March 2013
ferdie says...
GH - first he needs to sort out if he's Graham or Ted - from today's news:
"I've found that more difficult than what I thought I would. I've found it hard to shut my face at times. I'm getting better at that. But I have to bite my lip . . . ¿shut up Graham, shut up Ted', I keep telling myself."
Posted 08:39 28th February 2013