New Zealand flanker Richie McCaw has given a ringing endorsement to coach John Mitchell's autocratic style after the All Blacks secured third place at the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand's Rugby World Cup entertainers quit the tournament on a semi-high note with a 40-13 skittling of France in the third place playoff.

After the match Mitchell reiterated his belief that he should have full control over the All Blacks - a style which hasn't endeared him to some of his bosses at the New Zealand Rugby Union.

And with Mitchell asking to be judged on his World Cup performance, there's a chance third place will not be deemed a satisfactory result despite the team playing some scintillating rugby.

"The coach needs to lead - he drives performance and that shouldn't change," Mitchell said when he was asked if would be prepared to cede some control in order to retain his job.

At that point, McCaw showed his disbelief at the questions being thrown at Mitchell and backed his coach, and assistant Robbie Deans to the hilt.

"Mitch and Robbie this year have been absolutely outstanding," McCaw said.

"If they can't call the shots, you're on the back foot from the start.

"They're the guys who pick the players, players who they put their trust in and that's the big thing we've been given this year, permission to get out there and play some pretty entertaining and fun rugby.

"If you ask any guy in the team they'll say they've loved the whole time. I think everyone would agree it's been a great environment to play in and they've just loved being part of the All Blacks."

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