Judgement day looms for Henry

'It still irritates me. It is the games you lose that you remember.

'I probably did not appreciate the significance of playing at Twickenham and what that meant to the Welsh players, how it affected their psyche. We were pretty competitive for most of the first half then we lost it and we gave a huge number of penalties away.

'We just did not have the mental capacity to cope with that situation at that time.

'We were embarrassed, we lost discipline. What else do you want me to say? You feel those situations a hell of a lot and you feel responsible. I can't say more than that.'

So much for his fabled lack of emotion. He did not much like the line of questioning just as he did not much care for how November's match against South Africa unfolded.

That prompted a widely televised departure from his seat in the stand before the end of South Africa's 23-13 win. 'That was a sign of frustration,' he said.

'We blew it because we did not take our opportunities and we lacked composure at vital times. In my time, we have lost matches we should have won and we have won some we ought to have lost. More of the former, though.'

Henry's success rate in 30 years of coaching had been 85 per cent prior to arriving in Wales. It has been 70 per cent with the national team.

'I am not a person who says seven out of 10 is good enough. Most people would be happy. I am not. We are sixth or seventh in the world and we are trying to get into the top five, even the top three.

'People will say that's a pipe dream. But we have played nine games against top-five countries and we have won four of them. Most have been extremely competitive.

'England are the second best team in the world. They played South Africa three times last year and beat them twice. They beat Australia. It is not rocket science to say they are a good side. They are.

'They want to be No.1 and they want to win the 2003 World Cup. That is certainly within their capabilities. It is not for me to say what they have to do.'

Not until after Saturday, at any rate. The man with two hats is wearing only one this week. The Lions can wait and the England players, who are expected to comprise the kernel of the 37-man squad for Australia, can wait for an encouraging word from the coach of Great Britain and Ireland.

'I have no idea yet of my ideal team for the first Test this summer,' said Henry. 'But there are some players in Britain and Ireland who are world class. Keith Wood, the Irish hooker, comes to mind. People like that will probably be in the team.'

There was not such good news for Gregor Townsend, fly half on the triumphant 1997 tour of South Africa, as Henry ran through the competition for the No.10 jersey.

'I think Neil Jenkins is playing the best rugby of his life,' said Henry. 'I was very impressed with the Irish boy Ronan O'Gara the other day when Munster played Newport. Obviously, Jonny Wilkinson is playing well at a level well beyond his age.

'And what's the Scottish boy's name?

He added: 'It is a hobby in Wales. Most people do not collect stamps, they just debate about No.10.'

And, he might have added, discuss how to beat England.