British and Irish Lions: Warren Gatland could coach All Blacks - Sir Graham Henry

Warren GatlandImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Warren Gatland toured with the All Blacks but never played in a Test match for his country

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland could take charge of New Zealand one day, says Sir Graham Henry.

The tourists' 24-21 victory in Wellington on Saturday was their first victory over the All Blacks since 1993.

Henry, who steered the All Blacks to win the 2011 World Cup, believes Wales coach Gatland, 53, could follow in his footsteps with his native country.

"Warren's done a great job in getting them all together and he's possibly a future All Blacks coach," Henry said.

Current New Zealand coach Steve Hansen guided the All Blacks to 2015 World Cup victory and is contracted until the end of the 2019 tournament.

Gatland was appointed Wales coach in 2007 and has also signed a deal to take them through to the 2019 World Cup.

Media caption,

Gatland's first coaching roles

The New Zealander also took a break to coach the Lions in 2013 when he led them to a 2-1 series win over Australia.

Gatland has also coached Ireland and was in charge at Wasps when they won the European Cup in 2004.

Henry was the first overseas coach to take charge of Wales and also coached the Lions on their 2001 tour of Australia, when they lost the Test series 2-1.

"He [Warren] is one of the most experienced coaches in the world, he's had a long run with Wales and won a couple of Six Nations," Henry told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Richie McCaw and then-New Zealand boss Graham Henry (R) celebrate New Zealand's 2011 World Cup win

"He's been with the Lions for some time and done exceptionally well."

Gatland and Hansen are now preparing for the series decider at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.

The Lions are attempting to win a Test series in New Zealand for the first time since 1971.

"The All Blacks are currently the world champions and ranked number one in the world," said Henry.

"So to beat the All Blacks at home with a side which has had very little rugby together would be an astronomical achievement."

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