WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The All Blacks' controversial conditioning programme was a major contributing factor to their quarter-final defeat at last year's World Cup, an independent review has found.

The review, conducted by lawyer Mike Heron and sports administrator Don Tricker on behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), was released on Thursday.

The NZRU, at the request of All Blacks coach Graham Henry, removed 22 players from the first half of the 2007 Super 14 to participate in a reconditioning programme in order to prepare for the World Cup.

While the programme increased the players' athleticism, it was not well managed.

"There was a need for the conditioning but the manner in which it was implemented was not optimal," the report said.

"The All Blacks were effectively in pre-season mode playing in a world-class competition with and against match-hardened players. Their match fitness and skill levels were not at the required level and they struggled throughout the Super 14."

The timing of the conditioning programme was also an issue, with the report suggesting it should have taken place during the All Blacks' domestic international programme from June to August.

POOR QUALITY

A lack of "quality game time" during the home tests in 2007 against weakened touring teams and poor quality opposition during the World Cup pool phase also contributed to the 20-18 loss to France in Cardiff, the report said.

Heron and Tricker also said the performance of referee Wayne Barnes and his touch judges during the quarter-final had been a factor in New Zealand's defeat.

Barnes did not award a penalty against France in the second half of the match, while he and his touch judges appeared to miss a forward pass in France's winning try.

"The performance of the referee and touch judges had a significant impact on the All Blacks prospect of success," the report said.

The report also identified a breakdown in the "leadership group" on the field due to a rash of late injuries and selections, which resulted in a failure to make the right decisions at crucial times.

It also suggested while there was no complacency within the team's management and leadership group leading into match, the focus appeared to be beyond the quarter-final.

"There remained a sense to us that the All Blacks, coaches and management were looking past the quarter-final.

"(However) the RWC finals are knock-out matches and occur only once in four years. Professional sport is not 'fair' and results cannot be guaranteed," the report said.

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Melbourne; Editing by Ed Osmond)