News: All Blacks boss Graham Henry has applauded Clive Woodward's expected appointment as coach of the 2005 Lions.

Woodward will be in charge of next year's proposed 10-match tour of New Zealand, which includes three Tests against the All Blacks. And Henry, the 2001 Lions coach whose New Zealand team will lock horns with Woodward's World Cup-winning England side this summer, said Woodward "richly deserves" the Lions honour. He is a marvellous coach. He has been the most successful coach in world rugby in recent times," Henry said.

Woodward will work alongside tour manager Bill Beaumont.