Henry hints at match fixing in '07

Graham Henry fronts a press conference in Christchurch after the All Blacks lost to France in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Getty

Sir Graham Henry has made public a stunning suspicion that the All Blacks may have been victims of match fixing at the 2007 World Cup.

In an interview with Tony Veitch on Radio Sport, Henry said something didn't feel right about their 20-18 quarter final loss to France.

"I've been involved in 140 test matches and 20 years of coaching at provincial level or the level above and 12 years of coaching international rugby and I've never been involved in a game that was like this game," he said.

Sports journalist Ian Borthwick told Radio Sport the statistics and figures from that match were bizarre.

"Suddenly France became the most disciplined team in the history of international rugby, but at the same time it's perhaps a little bit disappointing that they would come out with this negative feeling so long after the event."

World Cup winning Springbok Joel Stransky said there would be a lot of people saying it was sour grapes and Henry's concerns should have been raised earlier.

"It's a very very strong allegation, and he's obviously got very strong grounds for saying that but I'm not sure he's going to endear himself to the rugby public."

The All Blacks weren't awarded a single penalty in the last 60 minutes of their quarter final loss to France, and a questionable pass led to a French try late in the piece.

France went on to lose to England in the semi-finals. South Africa won the tournament.

- Herald online