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Wellington - As Graham Henry approaches his 100th Test in charge of the All Blacks this weekend, his players insist the New Zealand coach has a softer side than the scowling visage he presents to the public.
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The former headmaster, 65, has a reputation as a disciplinarian, prone to occasional bursts of fury when his charges fail to live up to the exacting standards demanded of the New Zealand national side.
"I think the quieter he is, the angrier he is," prop John Afoa told reporters ahead of the Rugby World Cup match against Canada on Sunday which will bring up Henry's Test ton for the All Blacks.
"So when he's silent than you make sure you get out of his way."
But lock Ali Williams said Henry had "a great sense of humour", while scrumhalf Piri Weepu said the coach's dour reputation was undeserved.
"I guess every time you guys see him he looks grumpy, but that's just how he looks," Weepu said.
"He's pretty mellow. I guess from 2004, when I first made the team to now, he has mellowed a little bit. He's probably more approachable now."
Weepu conceded, however, that Henry did not hold back when he felt his charges were underperforming and admitted he had been on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing.
"Maybe once or twice in the changing room, when you're not playing your best... his standards are high and you've got to try to meet them," he said.
"So we've seen him erupt a few times but luckily most of the time we've done pretty well and had a good success rate under him."
The success rate, 84 wins in the 99 Tests since Henry took over in 2004, is unrivalled in international sport and has earned him four International Rugby Board (IRB) Coach of the Year awards, in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Prior to the All Blacks, he helped revive Wales' international fortunes and was the first foreigner to coach the British and Irish Lions.
The one blot on his copybook remains the World Cup, after France bundled his team out of the 2007 tournament in the quarter-finals, the All Blacks' earliest exit ever.
Henry came close to being sacked after the loss, narrowly surviving as his main rival, Robbie Deans, went on to take control of Australia.
Second chances are rare for losing All Blacks coaches and it appears Henry is determined to make amends for 2007 at this year's tournament, even if it means axing out-of-form veterans such as Mils Muliaina.
Williams, whom Henry has counselled and cajoled through two career-threatening hamstring injuries, said the coach's no-nonsense approach left players in no doubt about their standing in the team.
"He's a man who shoots straight and lets you know where you stand," he said.
"I can't speak highly enough of him. He's helped my career, if not saved it.
"He tells me how it is. Sometimes you don't want to hear the harsh truth that you're not good enough but that's what you need to know, so that you can get good enough."
