Graham Henry raises a smile during an All Blacks training session in Wellington © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Steve Hansen | Sir Graham Henry | Richie McCaw

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | Tri Nations

Teams: New Zealand

All Blacks coach Graham Henry insists he can maintain a fresh approach to the job after being handed a new two-year deal by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The 63-year-old's latest contract extension will see him close in on a century of Tests at the All Blacks' helm when the sport's showpiece event plays out on home soil in two years' time. But the former Wales and British & Irish Lions coach insists there is no danger of either him or his methods going stale.

Henry is adamant he retains the ability to morph with the rugby times and he fully expects Tes rugby in 2011 to be a different animal to what is being played this year, or what worked best two years ago in France.

"And the people you're coaching are changing, they're different individuals to what they were four years ago," Henry said. "They reflect the society they come from and the system they're educated in so you have to change with the times as well.

"I coached the Blues in 1996 and that's quite a different group of people to the All Blacks right now as far as personalities are concerned and what pushes their buttons. We're all trying to get better at what we do."

For the next 26 months the All Blacks players will listen to Henry's words at trainings, tactical meetings and in the changing rooms before Tests and at halftime. On hand every time will also be assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith along with manager Darren Shand -- all part of the furniture since 2004.

Captain Richie McCaw doesn't anticipate any Groundhog Day issues, as long as the message remains fresh and players are still allowed to have a say.

"We've talked about it as senior players and you just can't afford to get (robotic). If you start standing still, then everyone else is going to move past. As senior players, we need to start looking for that edge."

McCaw pointed to the All Blacks' ability in recent seasons to win tight Tests as evidence that emphasis Henry places on team character is still working.

"That comes from the leadership of those guys (coaches) and from the senior players in the team," he said. "As long as we keep that attitude, then I don't see it being a problem at all.

"A couple of experiences we had last year in the Tri-Nations...and the French test (loss) this year just reminds you that if you're not quite on the money, you're going to come second. You've got to keep evolving."