7 Jul 2009

Henry says they're the underdogs

7:43 am on 7 July 2009

With the June Tests now over for all three teams, the pecking order heading into rugby's Tri Nations seems to be wide open.

The All Blacks were widely criticised following their matches against France and Italy.

Australia look to be improving, while the Springboks' loss to the Lions yesterday hasn't convinced too many that they're clear favourites.

Over the three-match series the Boks were outscored seven tries to five and 74 points to 63, while there have been rumblings about the players' dissatisfaction with their coaches.

The All Blacks have welcomed back some key players from injury to help defend the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations titles and coach Graham Henry concedes they are the underdogs - although he may have been joking as he added that they've been Tri Nations champions for four years and Bledisloe Cup holders for six.