 At the close of the 2000 World Cup, in which New Zealand lost the tournament final to Australia, Freeman was selected to replace Frank Endacott as Kiwis coach.Under Freeman in 2001, New Zealand played a one-off Test match against France and defeated them 36-0 at Ericsson Stadium.The Kiwis then played Australia at the new Westpac Stadium in Wellington and lost 28-10.