Greatest All Blacks XV (pro era) - coach

[Lizard]

Yes, I know coaching is done by a vast team these days and that basically Gilbert Enoka and Wayne Smith is the reason for the All Blacks' current success. But it's the man at the top who appoints the others so we're only voting on the head coach.

The shortlist includes every head coach since 1996 (ranked by win %) so there is no "other" category.

The question for me is whether you go with the man who set up the system, or the man who has nearly perfected it.

On the basis that Shag hasn't had a 2007, I'm voting for him. I am aware of course that he has 40 more tests to go before he's coached as many as Ted did, so the wheels may yet fall off.

[zer0]

Henry. Basically rebuilt the All Blacks programme from the ground up after years of unprofessional carry on from previous players and coaches. Whilst not pleasant at the time, I also think the defeats in 2007 and 2009 were important. They helped shape the 2011 RWC winners which, in turn, flowed on to the current team (bomb squad, no more aversion to drop goals, mental toughness). Could only really be challenged by Smith for the title of NZ's best tactician and hands-on coach.

[Spy]

The question for me is whether you go with the man who set up the system, or the man who has nearly perfected it.

Interesting one, and you've got to the nub of it here. Would Hansen be where he is without Henry? Probably not, imo. On the other hand, Shag has resisted some of the wackiness that marked the Henry era in terms of selections, and has a more balanced approach to squad management. I think I'll go for Hansen, who has built a team with a mad record playing sensational rugby, but a call for Henry would be entirely reasonable.

[cashead]

Hard to go past Ted.

[jared_7]

Henry. Hansen has done way better than I thought he would, and kudos to him for that; he has definitely taken us to the next level. But I feel that is on the back what Henry started, laid the foundations for and saw through.

[Len]

Gone for Hansen. Have to really.