Mitchell pays the price for All Blacks failure

John Mitchell said he had paid the ultimate price for New Zealand's World Cup failure after he was replaced by Graham Henry as coach of the All Blacks today.

Mitchell said he was disappointed not to get his job back but wished Henry luck and said his successor would bring a "new perspective to New Zealand rugby".

"At the end of the day I've paid the ultimate price for the loss in the World Cup semi-final to Australia," said Mitchell.

The New Zealand Rugby Union threw the coach's job open after the defeat by Australia, citing Mitchell's difficult relationship with the media and sponsors as the main reason.

Mitchell said he had hoped to convince the NZRU board he should be judged for the onfield performance of the All Blacks, saying he was the most successful coach since the professional era began, with 11 wins and only two defeats this year.