The All Blacks have been crowned Rugby world champions for the second time in a row after winning 34-17 against Australia’s Wallabies, at London’s Twickenham Stadium.
The New Zealand All Blacks had no problem taking over their neighbors and rivals and went on to become the first team to ever win two world cups in a row and three in total. No other nation had managed to retain the title before.
The All Blacks beat Australia 34-17 and confirmed, if anyone still had a doubt, they are the leading team of its generation. They have only lost three matches since their last victory, at home, in 2011.
More than 80,000 fans gathered at the stadium to witness this historic event and wonderful win for the All Blacks, but Australians were left defeated by the kiwis with their powerful game and excellent world-class players.
The Guardian reported that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former supermodel Jerry Hall made their first official public appearance together during the event, just under a week after their secret romance was revealed by the Daily Mail
All Blacks’ Head Coach Steve Hansen said his team played well:
“We got the job done today. To be fair to the Australians, they played their hearts out as well.”
Today was the first time the All Blacks faced the Wallabies in a final since the World Cup tournament began in 1987 — even though between them, the two teams have appeared in six out of the previous seven finals.
Although they fought well, the Australians were clearly dominated by the kiwis, and only showed a 35 percent possession rate with 30 minutes of game left to play.
All Blacks Dan Carter, 33, was named man of the match after scoring 19 points in this game. Today’s was his last even match for the All Blacks and the star made sure he was leaving in style.
We did it #allblackeverything pic.twitter.com/5N86kgrLw0
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) October 31, 2015
Greatest Ever…. @DanCarter #NoQuestion
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 31, 2015
Carter got three penalties and a conversion from near the touchline, helping the All Blacks to a 16-3 lead by halftime. The All Blacks added another try, by veteran Ma’a Nonu, in the 42nd minute. Although Carter missed the conversion, New Zealand was then leading by 18 points.
Australia’s fans rejoiced after the All Blacks lost a man by a yellow card, with David Pocock and Tevita Kiridani breaking through the defense for tries that were both converted. For many, their mere presence in the final was a miracle — after the Wallabies lost three games and their coach left last year. New coach Michael Cheki was brought in and succeeded in leading his team to Saturday’s final.
But today’s efforts weren’t enough and Carter took over again at the 70th minute, kicking a super drop goal to make the lead seven points. He then sealed the match five minutes later with a penalty shot from 50 meters. Finally, Beauden Barrett’s try, scored at the 79th minute, was the cherry on the cake for New Zealand’s second World Cup success in a row — and third overall.
Murdoch and Hall weren’t the only celebs making appearances at the London game. Kylie Minogue and her new beau Joshua Sasse were among the Australian supporters who got some bad news today.
Prince Harry, Prince Phillip, and Prince Williams enjoyed the game together, as well as London Mayor Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and business magnate Richard Branson.
[Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images]