In a tense decider at Twickenham overnight, New Zealand defeated Australia with a score of 34-17 to become back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions.
Though spirited, Australia struggled throughout the error-ridden first half, and in spite of a brief comeback and a pair of tries from David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani, New Zealand survived to win the match.
Veteran New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter was awarded man of the match, after racking up an impressive 19 points for the All Blacks.
The award held particular significance for Carter, who was ruled out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup after suffering a groin injury during a training session, and donned the All Blacks jersey for the last time in last night’s final.
“It’s a special feeling to be part of such great team,” he said after the match.
Referee Nigel Owens was criticised by Australian fans for his performance, after missing a forward pass from All Blacks winger Nehe Milner-Skudder in the 35th minute.
comment il voit pas l’en avant d’un metres pic.twitter.com/KVS4ykP3Yq
— philippe (@philousports) October 31, 2015
“The pass is a mile forward, but not called by Nigel Owens and Wayne Barnes,” said the Australian commentary team after the fact. “It’s a terrible, terrible decision. It shouldn’t happen at this level.”
via Fairfax
Photo: Paul Gilham via Getty Images
Photo: Paul Gilham via Getty Images
