Opinion: Carter, Nonu brilliant in World Cup triumph

New Zealand's Daniel Carter scores a penalty during the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, London, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Two names will be on everybody's lips today across New Zealand, following the All Blacks historic Rugby World Cup triumph over Australia.

Dan Carter and Ma'a Nonu.

The two All Blacks veterans were nothing short of outstanding during the final at Twickenham this morning, as New Zealand won 34-17 to become the first nation in history to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.

Nonu's try early in the second half, which saw him run about 40m through the Australian defence, and Carter's cool head and brilliant goal kicking were both memorable features of the match.

A 40m Carter drop goal, with about 10 minutes left in the contest, did a lot to kill off an Aussie comeback. Carter also kicked seven from eight (four penalties, two conversions, and a drop goal) during the match with only the last conversion taken from close to the sticks.

In a decade's time, people will look back on this match and recall those two big moments as vital, not only to the final but also to Nonu and Carter's fine careers.

It also seemed fitting two of the old heads in the team were at the heart of the victory today, as no doubt the All Blacks will farewell many of their veterans following this World Cup.

Take nothing away from the rest of the All Blacks team, as well, who all played their part during the victory today, including some impressive performances from the bench.

Carter, who missed out on the last World Cup final with injury, said he was just very proud of his team today.

"To win a World Cup away from New Zealand is just huge, and shows how great this team is," he said.

He said he was willing his drop goal on when he struck it 40m out.

"I was just yelling at the ball, saying go, go, and I was relieved to see it go over."