New Zealand 8-7 France
They almost blew it yet again, but the All-Blacks claimed their first Rugby World Cup title since 1987 with a nail-biting victory over a rejuvenated France.
The All-Blacks have been burdened with the ‘choker’ tag for the last 24 years, and for a while during the final in Auckland, they seemed to be doing everything within their power to hand the title to France, who were a completely different proposition from the sad excuse of a team that limped into the final with a series of abject performances.
The hosts led 5-0 at the break after a Tony Woodcock try, but failed to build on that lead due to a woeful kicking performance from IRB World Player of the Year nominee Piri Weepu, who was withdrawn early in the second half after a nightmare display overall.
Fourth-choice out half Stephen Donald, wearing one of the most ill-fitting jerseys ever seen in the game, knocked over a routine penalty to push the All-Blacks eight points clear, but that gap was soon reduced to the minimum when the inspirational Thierry Dusautoir crossed for a try under the posts and Francois Trinh-Duc converted.
There were a few hairy moments before the finish, but the All-Blacks held on for victory and a country that must have had bleeding fingernails from the tension of it all, finally rejoiced at the ending of a 24-year famine when Richie McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis trophy.
As far as the quality of rugby is concerned, it was far from a classic, but as an occasion, it was certainly up there with the best of them in terms of drama and entertainment.
And now that they have finally won it again, at least we won’t have to hear New Zealand harping on about ending the famine every four years.
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