Did New Zealand cheat?

World Rugby on Sunday confirmed they are investigating whether New Zealand had eight players on the field when they scored a post-siren try to snatch a 17-all draw in the final pool match with Australia on Saturday.

While the result will stand, and the quarterfinals proceeded based on Saturday's results, there may be some punishment further down the line.

Video footage clearly shows eight Kiwi players on the field in the lead-up to Ardie Savea accepting an inside pass from captain Tim Mikkelson and scoring to level the score.

"World Rugby can confirm that it is investigating an apparent breach of Law 3 [number of players on the field of play] by the New Zealand team," World Rugby said in a statement.

"The alleged incident occurred during the second half of New Zealand's Pool A match against Australia on 6 February.

"In accordance with Law 3.2 the result of the match will stand, but World Rugby is currently reviewing the matter to determine if any disciplinary action is warranted."

The organisation said "no further comment" will be made until the outcome of the investigation.