Graham Henry's reign as All Blacks coach is over after the New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed he would be replaced by the end of the year.

Henry has paid the price for New Zealand's shock exit from the World Cup after last night's 20-18 defeat to France at the Millennium Stadium.

The announcement was made today by NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs, who also revealed plans to hold an independent inquiry into the All Blacks' latest World Cup failure.

Hobbs said: ''We will have a new All Blacks coach in place by Christmas.''

Henry, the former Wales and Lions coach, took charge after the 2003 World Cup, replacing John Mitchell, and the All Blacks have been the world's number one team since.

But their defeat to France made them the worst-performing New Zealand side in the history of the tournament - they had previously reached at least the semi-finals of all previous World Cups.

They have been branded perennial chokers due to their lack of success since their solitary triumph in 1987, and this latest disappointment has only added to that reputation.

All Black legend Colin Meads claimed the national side must address its inability to perform on the greatest stage of all.

''Graham usually comes up with the answers, but he didn't this time. We took it too easily,'' he said.

''We've got this monkey on our back that we always choke at the World Cup and that's just going to rear its head again building up to the next tournament.

''We'll go through the same process again. In between World Cups we'll be good and then it will all come tumbling down again.''

Henry was blunt when asked about his future with the All Blacks after Saturday's defeat.

''I'm pretty comfortable at 61. I don't have to worry about it. I'm not thinking about it,'' he said.

''We gave it our best shot and it wasn't good enough. We've got to live with it and move on.''

New Zealand were overwhelming favourites to triumph in France but they were stunned by the French - despite taking a 13-3 lead into half-time.

Sebastien Chabal believes the semi-final between France and England has restored credibility to Six Nations rugby.

France booked their place in the last four with a nerve-shredding 20-18 triumph over New Zealand.

''These results are very pleasing for the northern hemisphere,'' said Sale Sharks lock Chabal. ''It's good for the Six Nations to have two teams in the semi-finals, especially as we beat such strong sides to get there.

''Before Saturday no-one thought a semi-final between France and England was possible. It's always good to win against the All Blacks but especially in a quarter-final and in Cardiff. It wasn't an easy game.

''Now we have to recover and prepare for the match against England.''