Haka row fired Blacks - Collins

New Zealand opted to perform the haka in private

Back-row Jerry Collins says New Zealand were fired-up for Saturday's 45-10 win over Wales after being forced to perform the haka in private.

The All Blacks felt offended by the Welsh Rugby Union's plan to stage the traditional war dance between anthems, rather than just before kick-off.

"If you make a decision like that you've got to back it up on the field, where it counts," said Collins.

I thought we did that pretty well, we scored when we had the ball."

The WRU had wanted the Welsh anthem, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, to be Wales' official response and informed New Zealand of the protocol on 16 October.

It was a bit more coal chucked on the fire All Blacks lock Ali Williams

Negotiations had been ongoing for the last six weeks but a final decision not to perform the haka on the field was only taken shortly before the match started.

The All Blacks' decision was jeered by the Millennium Stadium crowd who were unaware of the debate which had been going on behind the scenes.

New Zealand made a blistering start, with Luke McAlister scoring after just four minutes, and they never looked back.

All Blacks lock Ali Williams added: "It was a bit more coal chucked on the fire.

"We got what we wanted out of the haka in our changing room. It was funny but we got it done."

New Zealand had agreed to the same request from the WRU last year, but only ever as a one-off to mark the centenary of rugby Tests between the two nations.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis now plans to ask the International Rugby Board for advice on the haka's place in pre-match protocol.