Graham Henry has anointed the Springboks as title favourites for the upcoming Tri Nations.

The Henry-coached All Blacks kicked off their 2009 international season with a disappointing 27-22 loss to France in Dunedin last Saturday.

Soon after full-time the Wallabies, their opponents in the opening match of the Tri Nations, dispatched Italy 31-8 in Canberra.

The Springboks are set to launch their 2009 international campaign this weekend when they play the British and Irish Lions in the first match of a three-test series.

The All Blacks host France in the second test of the Iveco Series on Saturday night at Wellington's Westpac Staduim.

They then play Italy in Christchurch on June 27 before the kick-off of the Tri Nations.

The All Blacks will be without Daniel Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Adam Thomson, Rudi Wulf and Richard Kahui through injury for the start of the Tri Nations.

However, Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo are expected to be fit for the start of the tournament.

And Henry stated he believed his side would be going in as underdogs.

"South Africa are looking very strong," he said.

"They won the Super 14, the Bulls played some outstanding football there. On paper they are going to be a very strong side.

"They have got the Lions series to play and I think that is motivational. The thing is you don't do it very often.

"I think they will be an extremely strong side.

"The Australians will have a bit of an advantage that they haven't played any Super 14 finals.

"Robbie has had some time with them and he would have spent that time wisely.

"As always, it is going to be a huge contest. It doesn't change from year to year."

Henry is expected to be reappointed as head coach through to the 2011 World Cup within the next two weeks.

Under his coaching the All Blacks have won the Tri Nations for the past four seasons.

The only season they failed to win the tournament was in 2004, Henry's first year in charge.

He said the pressure would be firmly on the All Blacks to retain their winning ways in the Tri Nations, despite the fact they will be under-strength.

"The All Blacks have won it the last four years," he said.

"I think it puts extra pressure on because it means it is highly motivational for the other two teams; they haven't won it for a while.

"It is going to be massive.

"Once we get these three tests out of the way we will start thinking about it. But it will be a major contest, obviously."