New Zealand v France, Rugby World Cup Final, October 23
Thorn determined to finish the job
ESPNscrum Staff
October 17, 2011
All Blacks lock Brad Thorn enjoys a joke with the media, New Zealand press conference, Rugby World Cup, Auckland, New Zealand, October 17, 2011
All Blacks lock Brad Thorn is looking forward excitedly to Sunday's Rugby World Cup final © Getty Images
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New Zealand's Brad Thorn has admitted that he took enormous satisfaction out of Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi-final win over Australia but the veteran lock is well aware that the victory will count for nothing if the All Blacks do not go on to lift the trophy.

There had been a fear that the tournament hosts might 'choke' against the Wallabies but they passed their test of character with flying colours, running out comfortable 20-6 winners in Auckland. Thorn savoured the success but he has already turned his attention to Sunday's tournament decider with France.

"You have to enjoy the moments," Thorn said of the All Blacks' win over the Wallabies. "A lot of work goes into a Test match and after a match you enjoy it, but you know there is another Test to come. Today [Monday] we'll relax but come tomorrow we will start work again.

"Do you think anyone will care who won the semi-final? No, no one will care. It is what happens this weekend and we have got world-class opposition coming up against us."

The clash with Les Bleus is of added significance for Thorn because it will be his last ever outing for the All Blacks, with the 36-year-old second-row already having confirmed before the World Cup began that he will call time on his international career at the end of the tournament.

"It will be very special for me whatever happens because this is my last game in the black jersey so it will be a pretty special time for me out there," Thorn said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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