KEY POINTS:
The father of All Black five-eighths Luke McAlister has called for calm after the team were attacked following Sunday's early exit from the World Cup.
Charlie McAlister said he was upset by some of the vitriol dished out to the players on talkback radio after the loss.
"It
just amazes me how some of the people can react, some of it was pretty out of control," said Mr McAlister.
"People are allowed an opinion and that's fine, but I just wonder where some of that stuff is coming from.
"There was some horrible stuff that was said on talkback and I couldn't believe it."
He said the team and management deserved investigation, but the side had been "more scrutinised than any other team in the world".
"We've got a son there and we are gutted for him, but it makes you wonder why our players want to even stay here."
Luke will play rugby for Sale in England from December.
Mr McAlister said he spoke to Luke after the match against France, but they didn't discuss the loss.
He wouldn't comment on referee Wayne Barnes' decision to sinbin his son for alleged cynical play but did say the officials "were far too influential on the result".
Meanwhile, the remnants of a shellshocked All Blacks side arrive home today in dribs and drabs despite promises the team would show a united front on their return.
Only 17 of the 30-man squad were on the flight from Tokyo which was due to land at Christchurch International Airport shortly before 10am. The All Blacks, who stressed a unified approach throughout coach Graham Henry's tenure, said before the start of the cup tournament it was important to come back as a team regardless of the outcome.
Instead, a change in travel plans and packed flight schedules from London mean a depleted side will arrive in small groups - or in Chris Jack's case, alone - at their destinations after facing a barrage of questions from media demanding answers over the 20-18 upset to France on Sunday.
Neil Sorenson, professional rugby manager for the New Zealand Rugby Union, said the team were sticking to their united front promise but the full flight schedules had prevented the campaign team from travelling together.
Another 19 players and management were due in Auckland on Friday, and a handful of players were staying in Europe for personal reasons.
"There are no dramas here. We just couldn't get everyone on the plane at the same time," he said.
There is no official homecoming and the chants of "All Blacks, All Blacks" which preceded their departure are likely to be missing when a small group arrive at Auckland Airport this afternoon.
