New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said their display against France was 'pretty special'
Sunday 18 October 2015 12:04, UK
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was understandably thrilled with his side after the reigning champions romped into the World Cup semi-finals thanks to a 62-13 demolition of France.
Wing Julian Savea grabbed his second hat-trick of the tournament and the All Blacks ran in nine tries in total in Cardiff, to record the biggest win in the knock-out stages of a World Cup, and score the most points ever conceded in a Test by France.
"It was a pretty special performance," said Hansen.
"Tonight we turned up and showed that, when you couple attitude with skill, you can do certain things.
"There's a difference between pool play and knockout play and obviously that creates an edge in itself, because if you don't turn up you go home."
The All Blacks will next face their fellow dual World Cup winners South Africa in a potentially epic semi-final next Saturday.
And Hansen added: "I'm already looking forward to that. I love playing South Africa, because there's a special relationship with that group that goes way, way back.
"They've been the team that New Zealand has had the greatest challenges with over many, many years, and to be able to play them at the World Cup is something special."
All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw was certainly not getting carried away after the brilliant display against the French.
"All we've done today is earned a chance to play in a semi-final," he said.
"What happened tonight, we're happy about but, come Monday, we have to start again, because there will be three other teams all with the same attitude.
"I've learnt the hard way that you don't get ahead of yourself."
