John Hart vacated the most demanding post in world rugby yesterday and declared the expectations were too high. After four years as the All Blacks' head coach, Hart stepped down before the clamour for his dismissal forced him out.

Last Sunday's shock World Cup semi-final defeat by France brought an angry reaction from fans in New Zealand and the team will return home early next week to a public searching for a scapegoat.

The pre-tournament favourites even failed to guarantee automatic entry into the next competition in four years' time as a result of Thursday night's defeat to South Africa in the third-place play-off.

Speculation has already been mounting that current Wales coach Graham Henry could be approached to fill the vacancy.

Henry is in the second year of a five-year contract with the Welsh Rugby Union but has already stated his desire to coach his native country's national side. Hart's current deputies Peter Sloane and Wayne Smith are also in the frame, with the departing coach championing both their causes.

But Hart's major concern is that the job is becoming too much to handle and the criticism his side have received for their efforts has gone over the top.

"We are a small country on the edge of the world and it is only natural that we become obsessed with the sport where we are recognised as one of the best," said Hart. "But that obsession has to be tempered with some reality. The pressure we have been under is huge.

"No-one should be beyond criticism, it is part of the game, but these are young men doing their best for their country.

"A week ago, there were no problems and suddenly the whole thing blows up. The players need support and encouragement but they don't seem to have received too much of that." Hart's observation has been backed by vice-captain Jeff Wilson, who many tip to take over as skipper from the under-fire Taine Randell.

The number eight's tactical naivety has been cited as a major reason for the All Blacks' demise and with Hart gone, he too could be a victim of the team's collective failure.

"Taine has done a good job and has the respect of the entire squad," said Wilson. "You have to ask yourself if you really need the hassle of being captain - I certainly don't. I just want to play without the constant aggravation."

France did more than just defeat New Zealand. They wrecked a carefully-constructed plan for the future and Hart's resignation is the inevitable consequence.

"Up until last Sunday, nothing had gone wrong at all," he said. "But on that given day we were taken on by a team who played the most inspired rugby of their lives. We were unable to handle it and I doubt that anyone could."