New Zealand coach Graham Henry sits in the hottest of international rugby union's coaching hot-seats - for coaching the All Blacks is no easy task.

The level of expectation from All Blacks fans is unprecedented in international rugby, with the possible exception of South Africa, although current Springbok coach Peter De Villiers is probably resting a little easier in his chair as his charges are the current world champions.

The fact that New Zealand are not the reigning world champions is a matter which almost cost Henry his job in the aftermath of the 2007 tournament in France as the All Blacks were sensationally beaten in the quarter-finals by France.

A Tri-Nations success in 2008 went someway to mending wounded pride, but the fact that the All Blacks have not won a World Cup in 20 years still rankles with the All Blacks faithful.

New Zealand remain the international team to beat, however, as they continue to be the yardstick by which other teams measure their prowess.

And their squad includes a glittering array of talent, the jewel in the crown being fly-half and talisman Dan Carter, by common consensus the best player in the world.

Their only problem is that they continue to face an exodus of talent, most notably to England and France, where big-money salaries prove difficult to resist for players with a relatively short shelf life. That would not be a major problem were it not for the fact that the All Blacks only pick players who are plying their trade in their home country.

At present, though, this does not seem to be hurting them too much, such is the strength in depth of emerging talent. All that Henry needs to do now is turn year-on-year success into a World Cup triumph on home turf in 2011. Failure to deliver will most certainly bring an end to his tenure.