Kelleher begs forgiveness as All Blacks feel pain of failure

BYRON KELLEHER last night pleaded for compassion from the New Zealand public as the All Blacks reflected on another failed World Cup.

An epic 20-18 quarter-final defeat by France dumped the favourites out of the tournament and they now face the anguish of a nation that values success on the rugby pitch above all else.

But Kelleher, who played his final All Blacks match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday night, has urged critics to remember the players are also suffering.