Henry "nervous" ahead of Tri Nations showdown

Getty Images ©

Head coach Graham Henry has publicly aired his "nervous" outlook ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations clash with Robbie Deans' Wallabies.

The All Blacks wrapped up their preparations for the clash with a brief and belated captain's run at Sydney's ANZ Stadium early Friday evening.

The All Blacks are coming off a Tri Nations bye following their 30-28 loss to the Springboks two weeks ago.

The Wallabies in contrast are riding high following last weekend's 16-9 win over the Springboks in Perth.

And Henry conceded given what was up for grabs on Saturday night, he said it was hard not to be "nervous"

"I think every test of this magnitude leading into it is a huge game," Henry said.

"And once they are over, the next one is a huge game.

"This is no different. We played the Springboks two weeks ago in Dunedin and that was a major test match.

"I was pretty nervous before that one and I am nervous before this one.

"I think all test matches in the Tri Nations against these particular teams are major challenges."

Sydney's impressive ANZ Stadium is still not a sell-out though, with fans now being given free tickets if they purchase Wallabies gear.

But despite empty seats expected at the ground, there is huge interest in the game on both sides of the Tasman.

Henry said there was no getting away from that fact, again reiterating his stance that the encounter was not a personal clash between him and rival coach Deans.

"There is obviously a wee bit more interest for you people, and the public, because Robbie is coaching Australia," he said.

"That has created some interest. And that is great for the game, great for the edge of the game.

"But from my point of view, it is not personal. It is about trying to help this team play a top-quality game of football and hopefully that is good enough to win."

Regardless of Henry's belief, this is a personal coaching clash.

Earlier in the day Deans spoke of how coaching the Wallabies against the All Blacks would be his most special coaching experience.

Henry said he could only guess at the wide-ranging emotions the former All Black fullback and Crusaders coach was feeling.

"I can understand he is a little emotional," he said.

"I would understand it is not an easy job to coach another team against your own country.

"I coached Wales for a while and we didn't play the All Blacks during that time, which was a wee bit surprising as I was there for a while.

"I can understand that emotion and it will be interesting how he handles it. It would be good to be able to talk to him about it afterwards."

Henry also backed his decision not to fly into Sydney until Thursday evening.

The side spent three days training in Wellington before crossing the Tasman, with Henry saying his players were "a bit more comfortable" preparing at home.

He said the only hiccup had been Richie McCaw's ongoing omission with his ankle sprain. However he said his replacement Daniel Braid was up to the challenge awaiting him.

"It is a pity that Richie didn't come through," he said.

"We thought he would at the start of the week. But Daniel is a very experienced player at the level below and this is his fourth test match.

"He has been itching for an opportunity to play at this level again. And I am sure he will acquit himself well."

All Blacks: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Rodney So'oialo, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith.

Wallabies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Timana Tahu, Drew Mitchell.