Sir Graham Henry reveals his ‘number one trait’ to becoming a ‘great All Black’ after taking shock NZ Rugby role

Sir Graham Henry has given the key attribute players must need if they are to elevate their game and become one of the best All Blacks.

In a surprise move, the 2011 Rugby World Cup winner has rejoined the set-up under Dave Rennie having been appointed by NZ Rugby as a selector.

Neil Barnes, who is part of the coaching staff, and Rennie are the other two people that will be responsible for selection alongside the 79-year-old.

Henry therefore has a crucial role to play if the All Blacks are to return to the top of the World Rugby rankings as he scours Super Rugby Pacific to find the individuals who have that special something.

The ‘number one trait’ needed for an All Black

Appearing on Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show, the legendary coach was asked by ex-Test star Israel Dagg: “What is your number one trait when you’re surveying and concentrating on one player, what is the one thing you would look for to make a great All Black?”

Henry responded: “I think it’s decision-making under pressure, how they handle that. Every position’s a bit different so if you’re looking at backs and loose forwards, it’s decision-making in the critical moments.

“If they push that pass or if they’ve taken that gap or if they see a running line right so that people around them can do their job.”

The former All Blacks boss believes that it differs slightly for props and locks, who are tasked with setting a platform for the rest of the team.

“The tight five is a bit different obviously but more and more, apart from being able to scrum and lineout, which is critical, is the athleticism of the tight five,” he said.

“I think the game has become more athletic because you’ve got bigger men, quicker men and because you’ve got quicker men, there’s less space.

“The athleticism to be able to do a role outside of the set-piece is becoming more important than it used to be.”

All Blacks bolstered as Sir Graham Henry returns to set-up in new position

Selecting the 34-man All Blacks squad

Henry will be using that guide when it comes to helping Rennie select his squad, which is set to be named next month ahead of the Nations Championship.

According to the new head coach, they will pick a 34-man group for the mid-year Tests. Henry believes that just over half of that squad is pretty much set in stone, but there will be plenty of debate over the remaining spots.

“We’ve got a Zoom meeting where we’re going to go through that. There’s probably a large number, maybe 65 per cent, who you would think are strong contenders, and then there will be another 30 to 35 per cent where there might be two or three players vying for one or two positions, so you’ve got to make a decision,” he said.

“You’ve got 34 positions, you’ve got 20 which are pretty certain, you’ve got 14 more to select and you might have 30 players for those 14 positions – how do you work through those particular players.”

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