15 Sep 2013

Wallabies need razzle-dazzle against Pumas: Henry

1:26 pm on 15 September 2013

World Cup-winning coach Sir Graham Henry predicts the Wallabies can regain their mantle as the world's best rugby side - but only if they stick to their expansive game plan.

Australia hosts Argentina in Perth on Saturday night in a match the improving Pumas will be hopeful of securing their first win of the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies' razzle-dazzle style has come under fire following four straight losses, with last week's 38-12 defeat to South Africa in Brisbane heaping more pressure on new coach Ewen McKenzie.

Australia's currently ranked fourth on the IRB world rankings, and appears a long way off being able to consistently match it with the all-conquering All Blacks.

But Henry, who's currently the assistant coach of Argentina, backed McKenzie to lead the revival, claiming the former Reds coach was doing the right thing by encouraging a freeflowing style.

He says the Wallabies were the best team in the world at the turn of the century, when they played an expansive game.

Kick and chase chess-board rugby is not the Australian way, according to Sir Graham as they haven't got the forward pack to dominate those tactics.