All Blacks file complaint over eye-gouging

Conrad Smith breaks to score New Zealand's fifth try in Marseille from the ruck at which the All Blacks complained of an eye-gouging incident. Photo / Getty Images

MARSEILLES - The All Blacks have filed an official complaint over what they believe was an eye-gouge on prop Tony Woodcock but are irked it may detract from their best test rugby performance of the year.

As they flew to London for this weekend's tour finale against the Barbarians, after a big night of celebrations following their 39-12 win over France, the citing commissioner's report was being awaited.

All Blacks support staff witnessed Woodcock receive "a facial" from a French player near the sideline as a melee broke out in the 71st minute at Stade Velodrome.

They exercised their right to lodge a complaint with the match citing commissioner within 12 hours of the final whistle, who in turn has 48 hours to officially cite a player.

"There's no doubt Tony got a facial, that's how he described it. We asked the citing commissioner to have a look at it and we'll leave it in his hands," Hansen said today.

"We're not going moan about it. There's a process and he'll have a look at it and if there's nothing to answer, then we'll just get on with it."

Woodcock emerged with abrasions around both eyes but Hansen said his vision wasn't affected. Their complaint was hampered by the fact there was no clear video footage of the incident.

"We had a look for it (footage) and we couldn't find anything, so as far as we're concerned it's over. Most things that happen on the field should stay there."

The All Blacks celebrated with the Dave Gallaher Trophy back in their possession after a scintillating five-tries-to-none victory in a welcome return to open, running rugby.

Hansen said France deserved credit for trying to run the ball themselves, which in turn created opportunities for the All Blacks whose outside backs scored four of their tries.

While the performance set down a marker for the All Blacks heading into next season, when Wales and Ireland loom in the June tests, Hansen doubted they had sent a global message about running rugby.

"South Africa might argue that point, they beat us three-zip," he said.

"For us, it's about playing to our strengths and taking advantage of how the opposition are going to play against us. If we can improve our aerial game and improve our reloading and getting back and taking opportunities that arise, then teams may stop kicking to us."

The back-three were again excellent, with 82-test fullback Mils Muliaina back to his best, Sitiveni Sivivatu a constant menace and Cory Jane confirming his status as perhaps the most-improved All Black.

Up front the All Blacks recovered from an early scrum setback, their lineout was again solid and their loose forwards, particularly Kieran Read, were outstanding.

Hansen was elated the players showed renewed confidence after a chorus of criticism mid-year as they lost four of their first eight tests, before the current six-match winning streak.

"It's been a tough year, there's no doubt about that. There's been a lot of people criticise who probably should know better. The worst criticism is when it comes from ex-All Blacks because they know how difficult it can be.

"It's probably right that the players get the accolades when it goes right and the coaches get it when they don't. It takes the pressure off them, and you don't want players to be fronting up under pressure because they go into their shells.

"To play the rugby the way we want it, you can't afford for people to be turtles, you want them to stick their heads up and be proud and express themselves."

- NZPA