18 Oct 2015

All Blacks support big motivator

6:19 am on 18 October 2015

The All Blacks are expecting plenty of support in Millennium Stadium when they take on France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff tomorrow.

Richie McCaw of the All Blacks passes during training session at Swansea University on October 13, 2015.

Richie McCaw of the All Blacks passes during training session at Swansea University on October 13, 2015. Photo: Getty Images

Thousands of New Zealanders are descending on the Welsh capital for the match, with all the accommodation in the city booked out months ago.

The captain, Richie McCaw, said it means a lot to the team.

"I know for myself, certainly a disappointing day that was (2007 quarter-final) but it perhaps shaped what's been eight years since.

"Those days are the ones that you learn a few lessons from and then you have good times that have come since then that you also learn lessons in. I guess I'm just grateful we get another opportunity to be in a quarter-final at a World Cup."

McCaw is one of only two current All Blacks who played in the quarter-final loss to France in 2007, the side's only exit at that stage of the tournament.

The 34-year-old, who is retiring after this World Cup, says that loss was an important moment for the team.

"I know a lot of people that have come over to Cardiff for this game, hopefully we'll see plenty of black in the crowd tomorrow, it'd be great.

"The boys really appreciate the sort of atmosphere it creates, like out here at Millenium Stadium it's one of the great places to play test rugby and an atmosphere I've experienced over the years. I'm sure it'll be exactly the same tomorrow."