Hope after Henry ?

Hansen was recruited to coach the Welsh forwards

Graham Henry's sudden departure left Wales with a coaching void to fill for the remainder of the Six Nations Championship.

The New Zealander's resignation, by mutual consent, required a short-term fix with France due at the Millennium Stadium in nine days.

Fowards coach Steve Hansen has been handed temporary charge of the team until the end of the Six Nations tournament.

Beyond, the WRU require a suitable candidate to take the team through to next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Here we assess the merits of the possible long-term successors to 'the Great Redeemer'.

Steve Hansen:

A successful coach with Canterbury at NPC level and the Crusaders in the Super 12, Hansen was recruited as Henry's assistant last autumn to take charge of the Welsh forwards.

Given the time constraints, and the fact he is already in the set-up, the no-nonsense Kiwi was the obvious choice to take over in the short-term.

Whether the WRU decide to appoint another New Zealander on a full-time basis however remains to be seen.

Jenkins has enjoyed success in Europe

Hansen made has presence felt early within the Welsh squad, questioning the fitness levels of players such as Lions prop Darren Morris.

Henry's lack of man-management skills led to fall-outs with several senior players, although Hansen is said to be a better communicator than his predecessor.

If he is not made head coach in the long-term however, both parties may have to decide whether he could continue to work alongside a new man.

Gareth Jenkins:

The outstanding coach on the Welsh domestic scene at present, Jenkins would undoubtedly prove a popular choice among supporters.

An excellent track record with Llanelli, he recently led them to a second Heineken Cup semi-final in three seasons.

Jenkins has proved he has the necessary tactical nous by masterminding triumphs over English giants Leicester and Bath.

But he would need to consider whether his current reputation is worth forsaking for the inflated pressures and expectations associated with the Wales job.

Mike Ruddock:

Was tipped as a possible candidate for the Wales job before Henry took over in August 1998, having initially enjoyed considerable success coaching Swansea.

Ruddock coaches the Wales 'A' team

Ruddock also had a less successful spell with Irish provincial outfit Leinster before returning to his homeland.

Currently in charge at Ebbw Vale, he is also part of the present international structure as coach of the Wales A team.

But his charges fared no better than Henry's last weekend, shipping 55 points to their Irish counterparts in Limerick.

Phil Davies:

Highly-respected former Llanelli and Wales No 8 forward with 46 caps, Davies has made a successful transition to coaching.

Having guided Leeds Tykes into the Zurich Premiership last season, Davies has enjoyed victories over English aristocrats such as Leicester, Bath and Harlequins in the top flight.

Renowned as a fine rugby thinker and planner, a possible coaching partnership with Jenkins could give Wales a 'dream team' that would relieve responsibility from one man.

But Davies is also keen to establish Leeds as a Premiership force and may feel he has unfinished business in Yorkshire.