Oct 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins praised the All Blacks for their resilience and determination despite seeing Ian Foster's side slip to a narrow defeat against South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris on Saturday. "It's been incredible to see the team bounce back from that tough opening game against France and set the tournament alight. "New Zealand looks forward to welcoming the team home and celebrating their achievements." The All Blacks reached the final to defy lowly pre-tournament expectations, after a first-ever home series loss to Ireland and defeats against South Africa and Argentina in the Rugby Championship last year. "It's been an incredible seven weeks of rugby and the team has done New Zealand proud.

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Persons: Chris Hipkins, Ian Foster's, Sam Cane's, Hipkins, It's, Ian Foster, Sam Cane, Grant Robertson, Michael Church, William Mallard Organizations: Zealand, Blacks, South, Rugby, . New Zealand, All Blacks, France, Rugby Championship, New Zealand, Springboks, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Paris, ., Japan, Argentina, France, New Zealand, Zealand