Henry returns to Wales as the 'enemy'

'It's good to be among Welsh people again'

Former Wales coach Graham Henry will make an emotional return to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, but having abandoned the three feathers in favour of the silver fern, he will be hoping to see his former charges come off second best to his New Zealand side.

Henry was the Wales coach from 1998 to 2002, with a record of 20 wins, one draw and 13 defeats.

He also coached the Lions on the tour of Australia in 2001, a series the Lions lost 2-1.

After a spell with Auckland in his native New Zealand, Henry was appointed as the new All Black coach - in preference to ex-coach John Mitchell, who had to re-apply for his post following New Zealand's ignominious 2003 Rugby World Cup campaign.

The 57-year-old now returns to Wales as an 'outsider', but admitted he was excited about pitching his new side against some old colleagues and friends.

"I didn't get the experience of coaching Wales against the All Blacks, which was disappointing, but I'm getting the other experience now," Henry told the Western Mail.

"I'm the enemy now, I guess! It will be an interesting and emotional experience I am sure.

"I've got fond memories of Wales and it's great to be back. I'm feeling at home and relaxed here.

"It's good to be among Welsh people. They have always been very kind to me and I appreciate that.

"I'm looking forward to the game and I hope it's a beauty. I'm sure it will be."

Henry praised Wales for the progress they have made in recent months, and said he was expecting "a hugely difficult match" in Cardiff.

"Wales are an impressive side - they are keeping the ball alive a lot, they are playing 15-man rugby and enjoying themselves," he said.

"They are a young side that is developing together. There are quite a few guys who were just on the fringe when I was here that have now got quite a bit of Test experience.

"I think the Welsh are playing particularly well, so hopefully we can give them a game because it will be a hugely difficult match."

"The new [Wales] structure is excellent. I think the four-team professional set-up is the way forward.

"The players are well coached, they've done a lot of hard work on their fitness and I think they have got stronger upstairs, stronger mentally.

"Playing in a professional unit where you've got a good chance of winning most weeks is a good feeling and that develops skill and confidence.

"And there are a lot of young players coming through together that have got ability."