New Zealand defeated to Australia in the final game of the Rugby World Cup Finals, becoming the first team to ever win consecutive titles. The All Blacks took down the Wallabies at Twickenham by a score of 34-17.
Despite a second-half surge from Australia, New Zealand’s veteran presence held guide the squad to their third World Cup title in history. New Zealand finished off the Rugby World Cup with two impressive over some of the worlds best teams, including South Africa last week.
Dan Cater proved to be the man-of-the match, providing four penalty goals in total, as well as two conversions and a late drop goal. The dropped goal from Carter came at a critical time at the match, as Australia had narrowed the score to 21-17.
“I was just yelling at the ball, ‘Go! Go!'” Carter stated amid the celebrations on Twickenham. “I wasn’t sure I had enough. I was just relieved to see it go over.”
The All Blacks executed an impressive game plan. They were able to shut the Wallabies out of the game for long stretches of the match. The Wallabies defending was able to keep the game competitive for much of the match, but in the end New Zealand proved to be too powerful a team.
Australia coach Michael Cheika was even impressed with New Zealand’s performance, admitting his team had been outplayed by one of the best squads rugby has seen. “New Zealand won the game fair and square. They have been probably the best team since the last World Cup.”
“It’s a special feeling to be part of such a great team,” stated Carter after the match.
At a ceremony held in London on Sunday, Dan Carter was named the World Rugby player of the year for the third time. Carter has announced his retirement from international rugby with a career that includes a record 1,598 points in 112 appearances. Dan Carter expected to continue his rugby career at the club level in France.