1 Nov 2015

All Blacks retain World Cup

12:21 pm on 1 November 2015

The All Blacks have retained the Rugby World Cup, beating Australia 34-17 at Twickenham.

Ma'a Nonu scores RWC2015 final.

Ma'a Nonu scores RWC2015 final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Blacks led 16-3 at half-time with winger Nehe Milner-Skudder scoring a try just before the break, while Dan Carter kicked three penalties and a conversion to one penalty from Wallabies first first Bernard Foley.

The New Zealanders extended their lead to 21-3 just after the break when Ma'a Nonu took a Sonny Bill Williams off-load to run 40 metres to score.

See how the action unfolded with RNZ's live blog here

However fullback Ben Smith was soon sin-binned for a tip-tackle and the Wallabies pounced with two tries of their own to close to 21-17.

David Pockock scored from a drive close to the line and Tevita Kuridrani touched down from a kick with the All Blacks short a player on defence.

However the All Blacks game steadied with the return of Smith and - much like four years ago - the New Zealanders were able to control the last 10 minutes of the game, especially on defence, while the Wallabies made mistakes.

Nehe Milner-Skudder scores RWC2015 final.

Nehe Milner-Skudder scores RWC2015 final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Carter dropped a goal with 10 minutes to play to extend the lead to seven points and then 10 with a long-range penalty.

The Wallabies pressed the the All Blacks line for the last five minutes, but a turnover with two minutes to play enabled Beauden Barrett to score against the run of play.

In what was expected to be his last game captain, Richie McCaw was inspirational, especially on defence, while Carter - who is definitely leaving the All Blacks - was named man of the match.

New Zealand becomes the first country to retain the World Cup, and win it three times.