It doesn’t get bigger than this. The World Cup Final. Were New Zealand able to create history and become the first side to retain their title as World Champions? Or were Australia on course to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time? After six weeks, 47 matches, heartbreak and surprises, eighty minutes stood between one team and global glory. But who would it be?
New Zealand: World Champions Again
In the week running up to the final, stories were flying around the media speculating everything from team tactics to the starting line up. With confirmation that Welsh referee Nigel Owens would be the man in charge, excitement grew and rugby fanatics all over the world prepared for the conclusion of what has been the biggest and most successful World Cup ever. It was the final time six of the mighty New Zealand side would pull on an All Black jersey, as well as potential retirees from the Wallabies camp. With emotions running high, the players lined up, the iconic Red Arrows flew over and the anthems were sang. Down to business, Bernard Foley kicked off for play to get underway.
New Zealand made a strong early attack, with Ma’a Nonu’s solid break finally being brought down by three gold and green shirts. First scrum of the game and Aaron Smith fed the ball in, but Australia managed to clear. A penalty against Australia gave Carter his first kick from the tee, and with no mistake the scoreboard ticked over to 3-0. Ben Smith made an undignified and unnecessary knock on in the All Blacks 22, meaning this was prime opportunity for Stephen Hooper and his team to recompense their early misdemeanours. With the penalty kick gliding through the posts, Foley levelled things up fourteen minutes in, 3-3.
An unfortunate knee injury for Kane Douglas cut short his final after fifteen minutes, allowing Dean Mumm to enter the action just as Nigel Owens enforced discipline at the lineout: “If I have to come here again and sort out this nonsense, I’ll be having none of it. You make the distance [at the front] and keep it.” So that was them told.
As aforementioned, emotions were running high, especially when a controversial late tackle by Owen Franks on Carter resulted in a penalty. Kepu came under fire minutes later after a high tackle resulted in a successful three point kick for Carter, with Owens explaining “If that happens again, I’ll be dealing with it differently.” At 6-3, neither team were opening up their game, keeping it tight and not giving away possession easily. Pace, passion and precision were paramount in the first thirty minutes.
A sterling kick and chase chance for Savea ended abruptly with Folau climbing high to collect the ball, however Carter’s three point addition moments later saw the All Blacks take it to 9-3. Unsatisfied with the six point lead, Milner-Skudder made an outstanding run down the wing off the back of a McCaw pass, flying over the line to make it 16-3 with Carter’s conversion. Incredible action to go off to the sheds with, Steve Hansen’s squad made sure the 80,000 plus Twickenham crowd had something to celebrate.
The second half got off to an thrilling start. Nonu put pedal to the metal as he thundered along the hallowed turf, slipping through the Australian defence with side-stepping skills he will long be remembered for. At 21-3 (Carter with a bread and butter kick to convert), two successive scrums led to inspiring flair from opposing wingers, with Mitchell hoping to score a try from 50 metres out. Alas, the Kiwi defence was too quick.
Ben Smith took a break in the sin bin thanks to his tip tackle directly in front of assistant referee Wayne Barnes, who advised Owens to double check with the aid of TMO. One man up, the Wallabies had advantage and powerhouse David Pocock forced his way over the whitewash to narrow the deficit, 21-10. If they could squeeze out another converted try during yellow-card period, we would have a fierce battle on our hands.
Play seemed to edge further back into Australian territory. Both teams stole the ball and ran ragged for minutes, before a downfield kick allowed a possessed Tevita Kuridrani to intercept and storm over the line. Four points between the two sides, Australia knew this physical and experienced All Black side were within reach, and looked hungry for more points.
Ten minutes to go. The end was nigh. Steve Hansen’s heavily capped side have never looked depleted or tired, and anything but defeatist. Yes, they had the lead, but the Wallabies had unleashed a wave of terror on the reigning Champions, and a sneaky drop goal from Carter did nothing but harden the men in green and gold. At 24-17, both sides remained in contention. That was until five minutes remained on the clock and Carter punished Chieka’s men for indiscipline by tallying up a further three points . The scoreboard read 27-17, and the atmosphere in Twickenham grew to a level that is difficult to explain. What happened next was magical.
A remarkable interception by Ben Smith was offloaded to Barrett, whose phenomenal sprint left every Wallaby in his dust, with only Sonny Bill Williams by his side for good measure. Carter converted and the restart barely led to any play before the ball was kicked out for the final whistle. 34-17. That was it. Game over. New Zealand had made history and had won the World Cup once again.
Integrity, respect, discipline, passion and solidarity. The five buzz words plastered around each of the 2015 World Cup venues. Every team has displayed these characteristics week in week out, but Australia, in the face of defeat, kept their heads high and paid tribute to their fans in the stadium and around the world. Skipper Hooper admitted “they [New Zealand] were better” although coach Cheika kept it to a simple “they won” remark. Man of the Match Dan Carter couldn’t have gotten any closer to Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic drop goal of 2003 with his efforts in the last ten minutes. And Richie McCaw? Well, I’m not sure they come any better.
