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All Blacks coach Graham Henry -
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Graham Henry is set to break new barriers in international rugby after announcing he wants to coach the All Blacks through to the 2011 World Cup.
The 62-year-old ended speculation about his future, with many under the impression Henry would hand the reigns to assistant coach Steve Hansen when his two-year contract expires at the end of this year.
Instead, he wants to be considered for the role beyond 2009, continuing a tenure which began in 2004 and included the failed World Cup campaign of 2007.
His post-World Cup reappointment ahead of then-Crusaders mentor Robbie Deans - now coach of Australia - sparked nationwide debate but Henry silenced some doubters as the All Blacks bounced back to win 13 of 15 tests last year.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) are sure to retain the veteran coach if he enjoys similar success this year.
"I'd like to continue, but that's other people's (NZRU) decisions. Let's wait and see, I guess," Henry told journalists.
"I'm sure (the NZRU) has given it some thought, but it's early days, isn't it? I guess those things take a wee bit of time to get through the system."
Henry has been coach in a world record 102 Tests - comprising 63 for the All Blacks, 36 for Wales and three for the British and Irish Lions.
If he coached to the end of 2011, he would almost certainly oversee the 37 more Tests needed to reach two notable milestones.
He would bring up 100 tests in charge of the All Blacks and would match the world record number of games for a player - the 139 played by former Wallabies halfback George Gregan.
Henry has an overall winning record of 72 percent - superior to world rugby's other prolific coaches - and his success rate is a remarkable 87 percent with the All Blacks.
