New Zealand All Blacks Daniel Carter and Ma'a Nonu, with their winners medals, at the presentation of the Webb Ellis Cup, after winning the Rugby World Cup Final. Photo / Brett Phibbs.
This World Cup went to script. The All Blacks have stomped across the globe since the last tournament dealing to all their rivals.
They were tripped up three times with two other stalemates but 48 wins out of 53 tests was a reflection of their stratospheric superiority before today's
final. Defeat would have obliterated all that excellence and left an ugly weal on a golden era.
So the applause goes to the gods of the game and in particular the men in black who claimed a 34-17 victory at Twickenham and their coaching staff. It looked and felt right and the manner of that triumph underlined that reality.
These All Blacks have been well ahead of all their opponents in their skill, planning and execution since Steve Hansen unveiled his first selection against Ireland at Eden Park in 2012. Nigel Owens was the referee that night too when the All Blacks won 42-10.
The All Blacks took out the debut World Cup in 1987 when they were semi-professional and every other team was amateur while other tournaments have not reflected the consistent superiority the All Blacks have showed in the last four year and today.
