Henry hails triumphant All Blacks

Graham Henry was delighted with how the All Blacks performed in difficult conditions to earn a 21-3 win over the British & Irish Lions on Saturday. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

Graham Henry was delighted with how the All Blacks performed in difficult conditions to earn a 21-3 win over the British & Irish Lions on Saturday.

The New Zealand coach hailed a superb team display, and reserved particular praise for the forwards

"It was our best lineout performance of the past two years," he said.

"A lot of credit goes to the tight five, I thought they outplayed the Lions. The scrum was good, and they were dominant around the field.

"People have now got to keep their feet on the ground and build for the next Test, and I am sure they will do that. The Lions will certainly play a lot better next week."

All Blacks forwards coach Steve Hansen added: "We are very happy with the lineout – it was a good effort from the boys out there.

"We felt their (Lions’) tight five was something they thought was a strength, and like any strength, you have got to attack it. If you can take it off them, you get to question them a wee bit.

"The forwards have drawn a line in the sand, but you’ve got to remember it is a three-Test series, and unless we repeat it next week, this will all be for nothing."

Lock Chris Jack put in a commanding performance and was deservedly named man of the match. Afterwards he revealed the All Blacks’ tactical game had been key.

"It was a physical game and we were lucky to hang onto the ball but we are pretty proud of our performances," he said.

"They didn’t get too much time to attack and they were under pressure – which is how we played it, we played a pressure game.

"We tried to take their strengths away from them and lineout was one of the strengths we worked on in the week."

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