Richie McCaw, left, with 'King' Henry and Steve Hansen (Photosport)
All Blacks coach Graham Henry says his side's mental strength faced a severe examination before they emerged 8-7 victors over France in a gripping Rugby World Cup final.
The 65-year-old admitted to having nervous thoughts in the coaches box as his side came under intense French pressure in the second half, but was relieved they kept their heads in the white-hot atmosphere at Eden Park.
"Our guys have become very self reliant in recent years and taken ownership of the team.
"We were under a lot of pressure, we didn't give any penalties away, we were defensively strong we, gutsed it out and that shows some mental strength."
Henry, controversially reappointed to the role after the All Backlash quarter-final exit in 2007, said the result would give him some closure.
"Personally you've got some peace and that's a great feeling. This thing was about winning and the guys have won the World Cup and that's outstanding."
But the man dubbed King Henry by a reporter said his redemption had much to do with the fortitude of the players he has taken charge of for eight years and their determination not to let the cup - which they have not won since 1987 - slip through their grasp.
"I'm very proud of the way they hung in there showed the character, showed the resilience and showed the discipline not to give away penalties. That's what's its all about."
Henry was coy on his future plans saying he wanted to enjoy the next few days.
His likely successor in the role, assistant Steve Hansen, said the players' self belief which had developed under Henry, was crucial.
"The mental side of our team has grown considerably since 2007," Hansen said.
"We showed a belief not only in ourselves but in the guy that was standing alongside you. That belief is bone-deep at the moment among the group and when it is you can achieve things like we did tonight."
NZN