A massive crowd in Auckland celebrates Rugby World Cup triumph . The nadir perhaps was the failure of the 2007 team , who fell victim to an inspired French team in Cardiff in the quarterfinals . Similar celebrations occur for Christchurch and Wellington . New Zealand beat France 24 - 7 in rugby 's final at Eden Park . Graham Henry named coach of year and New Zealand player of year by IRB .
A massive crowd in Auckland celebrates Rugby World Cup triumph . Similar celebrations occur for Christchurch and Wellington . New Zealand beat France 24 - 7 in rugby 's final at Eden Park . Graham Henry named coach of year and New Zealand player of year by IRB .