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For the first time All Blacks coach Graham Henry has admitted that the prospect of the knockout stages in the World Cup were always in the back of his mind.
Asked for the umpteenth time how the All Blacks felt about having to play France in the quarter-finals next week in Cardiff, Henry said at the press conference following the 85-8 demolition of Romania, "In the back of your mind you are always concerned about knockout rugby."
But finals were finals and the All Blacks would be up against some very good sides, he said.
"We understand we are going to have to step up against the French," he said.
The New Zealanders definitely had strength of character and mind and they needed to express themselves and play to their potential, he said.
Henry had been asked if the All Blacks were mentally stronger than when they lost to France in the semi-final in 1999.
"There is strength of mind, and a desire to play high quality rugby to win the tournament," he said.
Saturday's game had left him 'pretty happy'. The Romanians had put some pressure on in scrums and at the tackle, although they had also lived on the off-side line.
But he described the win as an 'excellent performance' with the added bonus of their being no injuries out of the game.
"In the overall balance it was pleasing but there are still things to work on," he said.
The backs were more accurate in their play and he was pleased that lock Keith Robinson was able to get through his time on the field without problems.
Nick Evans had also performed well, firstly at fullback but then also at first five-eighths.
"He showed he's a quality player and he would get a place in most international sides," he said.
Both he and Luke McAlister, who started at first five-eighths, had put their hands up and if any problems should arise with Dan Carter New Zealand had two good players to fill the gap.
And on Carter he said: "To my amateur eye he looks pretty good." But he added it would be up to the medical staff to determine his readiness for the quarter-final.
Henry said he had been happy with the pool play, with the tries scored and the respective margins in the games.
"We are moving forward well, the attitude is great, the spirit is great and we are looking forward to the finals. We know we have challenges but our time in France has been outstanding and the French people have been superb," he said.
Captain Jerry Collins said it was always going to be a difficult week for the All Blacks with so little time to prepare and knowing they were already guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.
But to score 80 points and come out of the game with some things to work on for next week was a bonus.
"We are happy but not content. We are looking forward to next week," he said.
