Rugby World Cup: Key confident in All Blacks' backline

Sonny Bill Williams and Ma'a Nonu have 'too much firepower' for their opposition, says John Key. Photo / Alan Gibson

Prime Minister John Key has predicted the All Blacks' "explosive" backline will be pivotal to winning the Rugby World Cup.

Key told Radio Sport he was impressed with what he saw of Graham Henry's side in their last fixture.

"Personally, I think these guys look really good. They absorbed a lot of pressure early on [against France].

"New Zealand will tighten it's game up, but it's backline is so explosive that it's no longer a matter of having to close down Dan Carter - you've got to close down Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg and all these guys. There's just too much firepower."

He will be attending tonight's match between South Africa and Samoa and thinks that match has the potential to put pressure on South Africa through injuries.

"South Africa are then going to meet Australia [in the quarter finals]. That's going to be tough, and ultimately I believe they will meet New Zealand [in the final]," he predicted.

Key has been impressed with the success of the 'stadium of four million' so far.

"I'm around the country an awful lot and it's just magnigicent to see the flags everywhere, the kids getting into it, the atmosphere and seeing people turning up to games.

"Imagine having a weekend where 60,000 people wander off to see the ABs play France and then the very next day 60,000 people watch Fiji v Samoa. It's just incredible."

As fears continue for Jonah Lomu's health since he was admitted to Auckland City Hospital's renal unit, Key said he was eager to visit the former All Black.

"There's obviously a great deal of anxiety because of the love for Jonah Lomu and people are obviously fearful that there are health complications there.

"I really wanted to go and see him - not because I have any great concerns or knew something that somebody else didn't - but simply because he is in hospital, he's a mate of New Zealand, and I want to pay my respects and go and say 'hello, how are you, I hope you're feeling better.'

- Herald Online