Howell celebrates his try (Getty Images).

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The All Blacks fielded a strong team while the French made wholesale changes after their semi-final defeat by England.

And although Les Bleus trailed only 14-13 just after half-time they wilted in the second half as New Zealand ran away with the game, scoring 26 unanswered points.

Malili Muliaina, Brad Thorn, Doug Howlett, Marty Holah, Joe Rokocoko and Chris Jack all crossed for All Black tries.

Daniel Carter added four conversions and Leon Macdonald also kicked one.

Pepito Elhorga scored France's try just after the break and the conversion from Dimitri Yachvili meant France only trailed 14-13 at that stage.

Yachvili had kicked a penalty and a drop goal in the first half.

Third place wasn't what the All Blacks wanted having been favourites entering the tournament.

But after the semi-final loss to Australia last weekend they needed to bounce back.

"Last week was heartbreaking, and the guys picked themselves up and came here to win," skipper Reuben Thorne said afterwards.

"We had to move on, and the guys have done well after what was a very shattering event.

"It was good to see the guys throwing the ball around here. We really wanted to play with the ball tonight - and we did that."