The All Blacks capped off their world cup triumph by picking up the IRB team of the year award with coach Graham Henry claiming his fifth coach of the year gong, and a tired captain Richie McCaw says the team is now looking forward to some well-earned rest.
Sunday night's 8-7 win over a spirited France at Eden Park broke 24 years of World Cup heartbreak for New Zealand and gave the side the trophy they needed to prove their status as the best in the world.
The France captain Thierry Dusatoir beat All Blacks Piri Weepu, Jerome Kaino and Ma'a Nonu and Wallabies Will Genia and David Pocock for the IRB player of the year award.
