Newshub rugby correspondent John Day has given the All Blacks a seven out of 10 for their performance at the Rugby World Cup.
After beating South Africa (23-13), Canada (63-0) and Namibia (71-9) in pool play, the All Blacks dominated Ireland (46-14) in the quarter-finals, before falling to England (19-7) in the semi-finals.
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The All Blacks' fourth pool game against Italy was declared a draw, after Typhoon Hagibis forced its cancellation.
But they never consistently dominated the tournament, with Day highlighting the win over South Africa and the first half against Ireland as the highlights of their campaign.
"It's difficult, because we played so well in the opening game against the Springboks, who got beaten by one team, which was us," he told The AM Show.
"Then the first half against Ireland was the perfect game, but we couldn't back it up against England when it really mattered, so I'd give them a seven."
New Zealand ended up finishing the tournament in third place, beating Wales 40-17 in the bronze final.
Day felt South Africa were deserved winners of the Rugby World Cup, as they beat England 32-12 in the final to claim their third Webb Ellis Cup.
"They're the only team to win the Rugby Championship and World Cup in the same year as well, so lots of history created by the 'Boks team.
"It was built on old-school rugby - dominate the set-piece, smash 'em out front and then some great speedsters out wide. Deserved world champions."
Day also named his All Black player of the tournament, before endorsing Pieter-Steph du Toit as the World Rugby Player of the Year.
"There was no standout player for the All Blacks - Ardie Savea was probably our best.
"I can't complain with Pieter-Steph du Toit winning the Player of the Year. When it comes to a hard-working forward, he's right up there, steals lots of ball and makes lots of tackles."
Newshub.
