Henry yesterday named what looks like his strongest available side to take on France in the key pool game at Eden Park tomorrow night.
He said the All Blacks had not yet looked at that quarterfinal loss in Cardiff four years ago, but would analyse the game as the knockout matches got closer.
"I think you learn from those things. Before we went into 2007 we had a philosophy to concentrate on one game at at time. We had done that in Grand Slam tours, so we did not talk about grand slams at all, just one game at a time," Henry said.
"I think the Rugby World Cup is quite different. Teams generally play at a lot higher standard than they normally play. They play with more emotion, more physicality. And you get this huge emotion out there with people playing on that.
"You need to prepare for that. And you can't prepare for that by looking at one game at a time and just concentrating on your form for Saturday.
"You have to go back and look at those occasions. And those occasions have ended up on the wrong side of the ledger and a lot of pain for some people. And you don't want to go through that pain again."
With all but Kieran Read available for selection, Henry has gone with Israel Dagg at fullback, Piri Weepu in the halfback role and Adam Thomson at No 8.
Both Ali Williams and Anthony Boric find a spot on the bench, with Victor Vito missing out, while Sonny Bill Williams is rewarded for an impressive display against Japan, edging Isaia Toeava for the outside back reserve place.
Henry said Weepu was a quality player, who deserved a start.
"He gets an opportunity to show that quality. He is a different beast than what he was six months ago and I'm looking forward to seeing him out there."
Henry said it was a difficult side to pick, with some experienced All Blacks missing out.
Mils Muliaina, stranded on 98 caps, has been usurped by Dagg.
"It was a long discussion, and there was a lot of emotion involved in these selections. We have got a lot of respect for the guy and he has played a lot of test matches, and I have been involved in a lot of those test matches.
"But we have got to go with the best team for this particular game. It is a difficult job. We are conscious of what Mils has done for New Zealand rugby and hopefully we can tick all the boxes by the end of this tournament.
"Some of them [players not selected] have been long-term All Blacks and it is a difficult decision. What I can say is those not selected for the 22 have been outstanding. They have been standard-setters for the week and have really hoed into it."
Henry stopped short of calling this his best possible side, saying it was one picked to play this particular game.
The loss in 2007 will undoubtedly create an edge to the game, he said, but he was not buying into the suggestion the French had picked a weakened side.
The game will be captain Richie McCaw's 100th game in an All Black jersey, and he will be the first All Black to notch a century of caps.
Henry was full of praise for his skipper, and not just for his on-field talents.
"He is a special player and a special man. An inspiration for the country, not only for his fellow players but to all New Zealanders."
All Blacks
To play France tomorrow
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.