NEW ZEALAND head coach Graham Henry has expressed satisfaction on reaching the Rugby World Cup semi-finals following an unconvincing 33-10 quarter-final win over Argentina in Auckland.

Tries from Kieran Read and Brad Thorn, seven Piri Weepu penalties and an Aaron Cruden conversion earned the All Blacks the win which set up a last-four clash with rivals Australia.

But the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game as New Zealand struggled to break down the resilient Pumas, who scored through Julio Farias’s converted try and a Marcelo Bosch penalty.

The All Blacks began the tournament as favourites to end their 24-year wait for World Cup glory, but the Wallabies, Wales and France will have seen little to fear at Eden Park yesterday.

Four years ago New Zealand were upset in the last eight by France, but now they are in the last four and within 80 minutes of a place in the World Cup final on home soil.

Asked if he was happy with the performance, Henry said: “Very happy. I’ve never been to a semi-final before. It’s amazing, great. I was pleased with the game. I thought it was a tough old game of football and I thought both sides played particularly well.

“I was pleased with the composure of our fellas.

“They were under a lot of pressure at times and kept their heads.

“Quarter-finals are always tough games. I’m sure we’ll be better for that particular game.”

Next up are Australia, but Henry is yet to turn his attentions to the Wallabies.

He said: “Next week’s another game.

“We’ll concentrate on doing that properly during the week and hopefully playing very well.”