All Blacks coach John Mitchell will have to reapply for his job despite his side taking out third place at this year's rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks downed France 40-13 to clinch third spot, but the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced it will be advertising Mitchell's position.

According to the team's official website, NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs has also announced a special committee will look at the All Black's World Cup campaign, although he insisted that both measures had been decided before the loss to Australia.

"John Mitchell's contract expires at the end of December this year. All interested parties, including John Mitchell, are invited to make applications for the position," he said.

"The board believes that it is necessary to conduct an open and transparent process to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed to this most important position. In addition the directors wish to give all coaches the opportunity to aspire to be appointed to this pre-eminent New Zealand rugby coaching position."

"The successful candidate for the position will be decided by the full board of the New Zealand Rugby Union. However, to oversee and manage the appointment process, the Board has established a committee comprising NZRU director Mike Eagle, NZRU vice-president and former All Blacks captain John Graham and NZRU CEO Chris Moller."

"Mike Eagle is chairman of the NZRU's Rugby Committee and has had extensive involvement in coaching appointments for the Crusaders and Canterbury. John Graham has also been involved in performance reviews for Super 12 coaches, was a member of the previous national coach selection panel and has had extensive administrative experience with New Zealand Cricket. Chris Moller is a member of the committee because under the current structure the All Blacks coach reports to the NZRU CEO."

"As an integral part of the process, a full review of the 2003 campaign, including the Rugby World Cup, will be undertaken including seeking feedback from representatives of all stakeholder groups."