New Zealand All Blacks surpass all national hopes by reaching record fifth World Cup final

Members of the New Zealand team celebrate on the pitch after the end of the Rugby World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Friday, Oct 20, 2023. New Zealand won the game 44-6 .(AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AFP): New Zealand's incoming prime minister joined his countrymen in heaping praise on an All Blacks side that has exceeded national expectations by reaching the Rugby World Cup final.

The three-time champions were regarded as outside hopes to clinch the silverware by many in the rugby-mad country after going into the tournament in mixed form and emphatically losing their opening pool game to hosts France. This year's final will be All Blacks record fifth appearance in the last stage.