Rugby World Cup: Umaga relieved after All Blacks' win

The All Blacks perform the haka prior to the start of their Rugby World Cup against France at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga has revealed his relief at seeing the nation finally get the French monkey off its back.

Les Bleus have broken Kiwi hearts at Rugby World Cups before, in 1999 and 2007, and Umaga admitted to Radio Sport he wasn't sure who would come out on top before the All Blacks' resounding 37-17 win at Eden Park.

"I had a lot of nerves prior to the game. I didn't know which way it would go - the heart was saying the All Blacks. With that performance it was great to see them get the monkey off our back."

Speculation surrounded the All Blacks' team selection after the first two pool matches, but Umaga said the coaches have got it right.

"It's really worked for the All Blacks. It gave a lot of guys a run and some guys, for instance Richard Kahui, have take every opportunity.

"We had never seen Sonny Bill on the wing before and now we've seen him there twice. And we've seen him in a big game do well and excel."

Umaga said Williams' skills on the wing gives the All Blacks coaches options and enviable depth.

"He creates a bit of fear in other teams' minds too. That's no disrespect to Cory Jane - when he was on there you saw him score a great try - but when you lose someone of the calibre of Cory Jane and you've got someone like Sonny Bill coming off the bench, as a defence you've got to be thinking 'where does this end?'"

- Herald Online