Discipline and high standards the key for All Blacks

By Simon Baskett

LYON (Reuters) - Maintaining strict discipline and setting even higher standards of play will be the watchwords for New Zealand in their second pool match against Portugal on Saturday, said head coach Graham Henry.

The All Blacks opened their World Cup campaign with a 76-14 destruction of Italy last week and are expected to inflict an even heavier defeat on a largely amateur side from Portugal.

"We want to improve on what we did last week," Henry told a news conference on Friday. "We want to play more consistently through the game. We want to play with greater quality for longer in the game."

Contrary to suggestions that the game against Portugal would turn into a meaningless mismatch, Henry said he had been impressed by the Portuguese attitude in their 56-10 defeat by Scotland and stressed that playing major teams like the All Blacks would help them improve the quality of their rugby.

"We saw them play against Scotland last week. I was delighted with their enthusiasm and the support from their spectators was quite outstanding," he said.

"I think there is a huge amount of spirit in the side and I think they are delighted to be here. I think they are really enjoying their rugby World Cup and I think that's their goal. So I've been impressed with their attitude and desire to play.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

"I think it's important for Portugal. I'm sure they are very excited about the game tomorrow. It is an important step in their development process.