Henry follows England coaching lead

Wales coach Graham Henry will react to his side's 44- 15 defeat against England by asking his employers to follow his victors' example and hire a team of specialist coaches.

As the inquest opened into his team's six-try beating in Cardiff, Henry admitted England were much better than he had bargained for.

'Losing by that many points was a bit of a shock but they are now a very good side,' said the Lions coach.

Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, Henry now wants a team of coaches similar to the matchwinning line-up Clive Woodward assembled three years ago.

And a free exchange of views between the two camps took place at the dinner table on Saturday night.

'The English coaches were marvellous in the open way in which they told us exactly what they were doing,' said Henry.

'They have done very well and you have to take your hat off to them.

'We have two full-time coaches, myself and Peter Herbert (fitness coach). England have considerably more and we need to specialise to some extent. They have worked quietly at their game and come through into a very good side.'

Despite going in without the fastest pair of wings, Shane Williams and Mark Jones, Henry insisted Wales had 'picked the best team'.

He said: 'I accept the buck stops with the coach. It's easy to stand on the side and make suggestions when you are not in the firing line.

'There is no point bringing in young play-ers before they are ready. There won't be any panic.'

Eddie Jones, whose ACT Brumbies team reached last year's Super 12 final, is the leading contender to succeed Rod Macqueen as Australia's coach.

Jones is almost certain to be involved in the Lions series in Australia this summer before the Wallaby coach retires after the Tri-nations in August.