Four World Cup winning legends, now TV pundits for the 2011 Rugby World Cup

To help you through the 48 matches, ITV has put together a sensational line-up of former winners as part of their coverage team, which will be fronted by Steve Rider. So sit back and hear the views of a quartet who have won more than 250 caps between them. Over the World Cup, these four legends will share with you their views on the tournaments’ big topics…

Who is the best coach going to the World Cup?
Francois Pienaar: It’s more about a coaching team as opposed to just one coach, and if you look at the set-ups as a whole then New Zealand have a lot of experience. Their three coaches, Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, have all coached abroad and returned home the better for it. I’ve also been impressed by Australia’s coaching set-up.

Sean Fitzpatrick: I hope Graham Henry will stand out this time, because normally the coach that wins is the standout coach! Unfortunately today a lot of coaches are judged on their World Cup performance. A lot of people called for Henry’s head after the last tournament but he’s invalidated that with what he’s done since then. Having also coached Wales and the Lions, his experience of the game is phenomenal. He’s learnt from the mistakes he made last time in terms of the rotation policy, he’s playing the best players week in, week out, and he’s got a good conditioning programme in place.

Michael Lynagh: I think it would have to be Graham Henry of New Zealand. He’s certainly got the best record in recent seasons.

Do you agree with any of their views? Go to our Facebook page and let us know what you think…

This article appeared in the October 2011 issue of Rugby World Magazine.

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