Five things we learned from the Rugby World Cup final
New Zealand emerged 34-17 winners over Australia in a compelling World Cup final at Twickenham.
Here we examine five lessons learned from the match.
The All Blacks’ dominance of the game has not been reflected by success at the World Cup – until now.
A third crown to add to those won in 1987 and 2011 identifies them as the competition’s most prolific nation, and they have become the first team to defend the title. Retaining the Webb Ellis Cup is fitting reward for a side being acclaimed as the best of all time, in any sport.
Richie McCaw has yet to make an official announcement over his future but speculation that he will retire has pursued the New Zealand captain for the past year.
If, as expected, the 34-year-old brings down the curtain on his international career after 148 caps, he will depart as possibly the greatest player the game has seen.
In the post-final interview he was non-committal over his plans, but he is sure to join Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Dan Carter and Keven Mealamu in international retirement.
New Zealand had a reputation for choking at the World Cup but their nerve when the pressure is on has now held across two finals. Having led 21-3, they saw Australia haul themselves within four points during a rousing fightback.
The All Blacks’ response was emphatic, Dan Carter hitting a drop-goal before Beauden Barrett’s try swept them clear. It was intelligent rugby perfectly executed.
The all-too-real prospect of the sport’s greatest fly-half failing to win a World Cup after missing 2011 because of a groin injury would have been a cruel twist of fate.
That scenario was avoided, however, as Carter produced an outstanding display that included a 19-point haul from the kicking tee. He was targeted by Australia throughout, but stood up to some big hits.
The northern hemisphere may have been absent from the semi-finals but these shores can at least claim to have the best referee in Nigel Owens.
The Welshman shows more empathy than any other official and communicates brilliantly with the players, whose respect is clear. Played a full role in an absorbing final.
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