All Blacks coach Graham Henry urged those affected by a mining disaster in New Zealand to "stay strong" after guiding the national rugby team to victory over Ireland.

Twenty-nine men were missing after an explosion at the Pike River colliery on Friday, with an underground fire preventing a specialist mine rescue team from working on Saturday.

"I'd just like to pass on thoughts to the people at Pike River coal," Henry told reporters after the All Blacks 38-18 win at Lansdowne Road.

"I know they are going through a hard time at the moment, I hope things work out positively. Our thoughts and prayers from the All Blacks to you people and stay strong."

In a New Zealand Rugby Union statement issued before the match, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said: "The players and management share the concerns of all New Zealanders and even though we are thousands of miles from home our thoughts and hearts go out to the miners and their families."

The NZRU statement added the disaster was of particular concern to NZRU president John Sturgeon, a member of what it said was the "close-knit" west coast mining community.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew, also in Dublin, said: "Our thoughts are with the miners and their families as they go through this anxious time.

"Everyone here in Dublin is feeling the impact of the news, especially having John Sturgeon here with us.

"He is in contact with his family and friends back home and we are giving him our support also."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP