As the All Blacks squad came together for a two-day camp in Wellington, ahead of the Tri-Nations opener against Australia next week, New Zealand head coach Graham Henry again found himself in the media spotlight.

Following his team's mixed-bag against the French, the team was boosted by the return of captain Richie McCaw and star No.8 Rodney So'oialo.

However, the list of players returning is not nearly as long as the list of players the coach can't select from - with injury having ruled out amongst others Antony Boric, Ali Williams, Richard Kahui, Daniel Carter and Stephen Donald.

But Henry once again faced intense media scrutiny ahead of the most intense international competition that features the top three world ranked teams - New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Henry was certainly not pleased when, once again, his credentials were questioned

"We just do our best," Henry told a media gathering.

"We've just come off a Grand Slam tour [in November last year] undefeated, with no tries scored against us. We won the Tri-Nations, won the Bledisloe Cup, won every bit of silverware we played for last year.

"We go into a game against France underdone, with an inexperienced side and get beaten. We can't control the reaction of media who influence public opinion. We just continue to try to do our best."

Henry admitted there are some nagging questions ahead of the tournament opener - when the All Blacks face Australia in Auckland next Saturday.

"This Tri-Nations squad is going to be under extreme pressure, and the coaches are under extreme pressure, because we're playing two fine sides who have developed over a number of years and are very experienced," said Henry.

"The All Blacks have been good enough to win the last four Tri-Nations, so that's going to be hugely motivational for the other two teams. New Zealand has held the Bledisloe Cup for the last six years. They'll be desperate to get a bit of silverware.

"That's hugely motivational. The Australian and South African sides have built on their experiences of last year. I counted seven or eight forwards playing virtually in their first year of the All Blacks. They will be licking their lips I would think."