New Zealand were in rampant form against the World Cup hosts

The All Blacks made a mockery of the game's billing as a contest between the two top Test countries by romping to a seven-try victory.

"We played very well," he said. "We're enormously proud of the players.

"This win has given the guys confidence and it's a springboard for the World Cup. Hopefully we'll get stronger."

New Zealand's comprehensive win over the World Cup hosts in Lyon underlined their status as tournament favourites for next year.

Henry made 10 changes to the side that defeated England last weekend and the former Wales coach said the form of his players had created a nice selection headache.

We were completely impotent France coach Bernard Laporte

"There's a lot of competition for places and that's a very positive thing," Henry said.

"It's a good problem to have and selection's not going to be easy.

"It's now up to the selectors to do their job. It's a very encouraging sign going forward.

"We could play any number of players in the squad of 22. We've got a group of 32 players and any of them could play. Everybody's put their hand up."

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And Henry said it was fitting that the performance came on Armistice Day as he referred to the sacrifices made by New Zealand's war dead.

"Our players showed a lot of courage and backbone," added Henry.

"They weren't only playing for the All Blacks but a lot of people who sacrificed so much.

"There was a huge amount of motivation to play well."

The Lyon crown roundly jeered and whistled the France team

New Zealand now travel to Paris for the second Test against France next weekend and skipper Richie McCaw says Les Bleus should not be taken lightly.

"The French will be hurting," said the open-side flanker. "They will have new motivation to come back and perform next week.

"For us we have to get back to preparing to play like we did in Lyon."

France coach Bernard Laporte was scathing of his side's display, which led to the players being jeered from the pitch.

"We were completely impotent," he said. "We weren't able to react in any way and we feel very inferior.

"There is a huge gap between us and them. We have to work hard and be more disciplined come Saturday.

"We will try to become true rivals. It's true we thought we'd be more competitive than that.

"The French players have worked well but the All Blacks are stronger. They run 100m in 10 seconds, us in 12 seconds. They are superior athletically and are quick with the ball.