17 Oct 2011

Too soon for World Cup celebrations

7:08 am on 17 October 2011

The All Blacks have already been installed as short-priced favourites to win next week's World Cup final against France but coach Graham Henry is warning his players and the fans against premature celebrations.

Henry's team were clinically efficient in dismantling the Tri-Nations champions Australia 20-6 last night at Eden Park to set up a repeat of the first World Cup final in 1987.

Henry described his team as "heroic" after a superb performance, but they have to reproduce it at the end of this week.

The All Blacks haved already beaten France 37-17 in pool play earlier in the tournament.

But skipper Richie McCaw has great respect for France who he says love giving themselves a chance, and he's sure they'll be pumped up for the final.