All Blacks enter history books at Rugby World Cup 2015
Following New Zealand’s brilliant 34-17 victory over Australia in the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham, All Blacks fans were delighted to see them secure their third world cup title and bid goodbye to some legends, in the best possible way.
New Zealand cemented their status as the greatest team in rugby history when they overwhelmed Australia on Saturday October 31, to become world champions for a record third time, and the first nation to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.
Tries from Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ma’a Nonu had the All Blacks cruising 21-3 early in the second half before Ben Smith’s yellow card opened the door for Australia, who got back within four points with tries by David Pocock and Tuvita Kuridrani.
But flyhalf Dan Carter, who missed most of the 2011 tournament through injury and who is retiring from international rugby after Saturday’s match, stepped up with an exquisite drop goal and a 50-metre penalty to put the result beyond doubt.
For All Blacks fan Alex, it was the perfect performance.
“It was awesome, awesome, such an awesome match,” he said as he came out of Twickenham.
“I was really nervous at 21-17, I was like, I didn’t think they would come back, but they did and fortunately then things turned around. So excited, so excited.”
The result was the fitting end to the illustrious international careers of several New Zealand players, including captain Richie McCaw, Carter and try scorer Nonu.
The Kiwi fans leaving Twickenham said they were sad at the end of an era, but that New Zealand would still come strong in four years time due to their famous production line of talent.
“It is the end of an era, but once we get them replaced, we will be back again in four years. But Aussie will put up a fight, that is for sure,” said one fan Adam.
Another Kiwi fan, Rob, said that captain McCaw, who holds the all-time record for tests and hasn’t, as of yet, declared he is retiring from the sport, is the best All Blacks player ever.
“Richie (McCaw) is not retiring bro. 150 tests. Best ever All Black, best ever All Black,” said Rob.
Australia produced a brave performance, particularly coming back from 16-3 at half-time to threaten the Kiwis.
Some Wallaby fans, including Donald, said they thought that was the start of a heroic comeback, but that wasn’t to be.
“It was close. It was close, I thought we were going to do it. I really did. That is the fourth world cup final I have been at and I really thought we were going to do it tonight. But we didn’t, unfortunately,” said the Irish-born Australian.
However, many of the Australian fans were also willing to compliment their Tasman neighbours, widely regarded as one of the best sporting times of all time.
“The Aussies, they played phenomenal the whole tournament; probably, most people were thinking they weren’t going to get there, and they did get there. They gave a good account of themselves, and the better team won on the night, that is it. One hundred percent, the best team in the world won, so good on them,” said Shaun.
“Australia played good, let’s be honest, they did really well at the start and they didn’t quite push through, but both teams played really well and I am stoked for that. And it is coming – the cup is coming down (to southern hemisphere) so it doesn’t matter,” added James.
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