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Olympics inspire All Blacks

Saturday 16th August 2008

Bare Facts: Rodney So'oialo and Jerome Kaino savour victory in Cape Town

New Zealand coach Graham Henry said his players were inspired by the gold medal feats of New Zealand rowers at the Olympic Games on Saturday.

Speaking after his side's 19-0 win over the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday, Henry said the players drew great inspiration from watching their compatriots in action in Beijing.

"As the All Blacks we want to congratulate New Zealand swimmers who won gold in the rowing at the Olympic Games. It was very motivational," said Henry.

"The medals were an inspiration and showed a lot of courage and it was precisely that which won the game for us, that togetherness as a team.

"We are proud of them and we're just as proud of our rugby team who showed superb fitness in the final 20 minutes."

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw said the win was because they stuck to their task.

"We just stuck to our task and got into good positions to set up a good platform," said McCaw.

"It was a hell of a physical match and the defensive attitude of the guys really paid off in the end.

"The way we gang tackled the Boks and forced the turnovers, we worked hard for them and that set the standard for the game. We really targeted the start.

"They were at our line a couple of times and we also missed a few shots at goal. But some days it is like that.

"We really scrambled hard on defence and we knew we had to stop them. Defence sets the attitude for the game and those gang tackles slowed down their ball. It was all about attitude."

Henry had special praise for Dan Carter. The star fly-half missed four kicks but his second half try ultimately turned the game in the All Blacks' favour.

"Dan played superbly in the last 20 and he has learnt to handle pressure situations like this," said the coach.

"He is one of those players that has the guys to hang in there and do the business and finish."