Henry said the 83-7 win over Japan in Hamilton last night was an improvement from the first match against Tonga last week.
"We played better than last week, keeping our structure and did not try to push the game too much. Japan played the game very well and there was not the same pressure physically as there had been against the Tongans last week," Henry said.
He said the side kept its structure for most of the game.
"Both teams' discipline was good and we stepped up from last week. You would have to give it eight out of 10. You can only play what is in front of you."
Henry felt first five-eighth Colin Slade played better as the game went on.
Sonny Bill Williams came on and played the last 35 minutes of the match on the wing, picking up two tries.
When asked what he thought of the Crusaders midfielder on the wing, Henry said he had been impressed.
"He made a statement and scored a couple of nice tries. He also defended well and that game has really interested the selectors."
Henry said he was hopeful injured stars Dan Carter and Richie McCaw would be available against the French next week, but the selectors would not be making any rash calls.
"The thing was if we had played them, they could have aggravated the injuries and put them out of the tournament."
They were hardly missed with the All Blacks racking up 13 tries and Henry said his team was where it needed to be to take on the French in the big game in its pool next Saturday at Eden Park.
One of the stand-outs last night was blindside flanker Jerome Kaino and he admitted he had been feeling pretty good in the past couple of weeks.
"We like to play a game plan where we like our ball-carriers to have the ball and tonight seemed to be one of them. I have been getting into some space and getting some chances," Kaino said.
He said the win was good for confidence but there was no way the team would be getting carried away with the game against France next.
"Tonight, the last 20 minutes got a bit loose and they [Japan] play well when it gets a bit helter-skelter. But it was different to last week as we did not have to build as many phases as the boys out the back were breaking through.
"That is why it is quite important how we dissect the game and look at it and see what we can take out of it."
All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen said it was an ideal game to help the team.
"For us it was ideal to help build the blocks that we need to build. It was an opportunity to get the ball in our hands and play at pace. It is probably a wee while since we have played at that pace and that is great," he said.
Japan coach John Kirwan said his side missed too many tackles, and was disappointed in the scoreline.
The World Cup started now for his side, he said, with games left against Tonga and Canada.