0
Canada outdid France: Henry
Monday, June 18, 2007
Hamilton: It was only meant to be Canada taking notes at Waikato Stadium but New Zealand's 64-13 victory in their one-off Test also proved to be educational for All Blacks coach Graham Henry.
The coach scowled through a disjointed first half showing by his over-eager line-up on Saturday, and praised a Canadian side expected to concede a cricket score.
There was no hint of condescension when Henry rated the Canadians as a greater challenge than the French during their recent two-Test capitulation.
Being rated physically superior to a French C team may appear faint praise but the All Blacks were genuine in giving the world's No.13 rugby nation, who trailed 26-13 at half-time, plenty of kudos.
"Their defensive patterns were excellent," Henry said. "We could learn something from that … They were very physical at the breakdown. They were better than I thought they'd be."
NZPA