Champions: History is All Black

New Zealand become first team to defend World Cup successfully

TWICKENHAM: Dan Carter left the international stage as New Zealand’s hero in their historic World Cup win over Australia that opened up a new era of All Black domination of rugby.

The 33-year-old world record points-scorer hit a decisive drop goal for the second straight game to guide his side to a 34-17 triumph.

New Zealand became the first team to win the cup thrice, the first to win two straight tournaments, and it was the first time they have won the World Cup away from home.

“This was all about New Zealand. They thoroughly deserved their win. They’ve been the best team all through the tournament and have played really well,” said Australia’s battered captain Stephen Moore whose side staged a stunning second half fightback when New Zealand were reduced to 14 men for 10 jittery minutes.

Meanwhile, Carter said winning was the “ultimate achievement”. “Becoming the first team to retain the trophy shows how special this side is,” he said.

The New Zealand victory was an incredible end to what World Rugby president Bernard Lapasset has called the “best” World Cup ever — 48 matches in front of record attendances.

Carter kicked 19 points in his last international to take his record points tally to 1,598.



New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said Carter and captain McCaw, playing in a record 148th Test, were the best players in All Black history. “Richie is the best All Black we have ever had and Dan is a close second,” he said. “The challenge for the other guys now is to try and become as great as him and Dan.”

Carter is definitely leaving the All Blacks as he is going to France’s Top 14 championship and New Zealand do not pick foreign-based players.

Test centurions Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Ma’a Nonu are also stepping away from internationals as is centre Conrad Smith, a veteran of 94 Tests.

Team skipper McCaw, 34, has been tipped to retire but said he was so excited by the win that he would not think about his future until he returns home.

“I still don’t want it to end to be honest,” he said. “At the moment I am still part of this team. I am going to enjoy today, and how could you get enough of this?”

Australian coach Michael Cheika said teams have to keep trying to end the run of the All Blacks, who have been the world number one since 2009.

Cheika, who took over Australia 12 months ago when they were in disarray, said, “You just stay at it — keep trying to improve, keep testing yourself again.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2015.

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