 The 2007 season started off with two mid @-@ year tests against France . New Zealand won the tests 42 – 11 at Eden Park and 61 – 10 at Westpac Stadium . A third game , against Canada , resulted in a 64 – 13 win , although the game was more competitive than the scoreline indicated . New Zealand 's first Tri @-@ Nations game of 2007 was against the Springboks in Durban , South Africa . New Zealand scored two tries in the final ten minutes of the game to win 26 – 21 . The following week against the Wallabies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the Wallabies upset New Zealand to win 20 – 15 , New Zealand 's first loss to Australia since 2004 . The All Blacks won their following home games to successfully defend the Tri @-@ Nations Series for 2007 . New Zealand entered the 2007 Rugby World Cup as favourites , and topped their pool , beating Scotland , Italy , Romania and Portugal by at least 40 points . However , they then suffered a defeat by hosts France in the quarter @-@ finals in Cardiff . Following the loss to France coach Graham Henry 's job was reappointed amid vocal debate and comment , despite then Crusaders coach Robbie Deans being a strong contender . 
