WALLABIES coaching target Robbie Deans has a battle on his hands for the All Blacks coaching position with Graham Henry's decision to fight for his job.

Henry met yesterday's deadline for applications and is in a contest with successful Crusaders Super 14 mentor Deans - who has also been repeatedly linked to the vacant Wallabies job - and Junior All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and Colin Cooper.

Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have also put their names forward to remain as Henry's assistant coaches.

Despite the All Blacks' shattering quarter-final exit from this year's World Cup at the hands of France, Henry said in a statement released through the New Zealand union he remained passionate about his job.

"I have applied for the All Blacks coaching position because I believe I can add further value," Henry said. "I'm passionate about coaching and this team.

"Obviously the Rugby World Cup was a big disappointment and I am responsible, but I believe we can learn from that and develop into an even stronger All Blacks team in the future."

Henry, Smith and Hansen guided the All Blacks to outstanding success in three years from 2003, before New Zealand's worst World Cup campaign in France this year threw doubt over Henry's future.

The New Zealand Rugby Union decided to seek applications for the All Blacks job and to make the appointment of the next coach through a "contestable process", with Henry invited to participate.

The union's decision amounted to a lukewarm endorsement of the trio, who had guided the All Blacks to 42 wins from 48 Tests over four years.

Smith expressed his desire to stay on with Henry.

"I support Graham Henry and would be available to coach with him again," he said. "We're all gutted by the World Cup result, especially after the success the team had in the four years before that. It's made me more determined to look for improvements and to find a new level of success if given the chance."

Henry's decision will make the coaching race close but Deans, who was All Blacks co-coach with John Mitchell when they lost the 2003 World Cup semi-final, remains the leading candidate.

His long record of success with the Crusaders, and reservations about Henry's management of the All Blacks during the World Cup season, are thought to have weighted the contest in his favour.

AP