Prince Harry congratulates Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images
Prince Harry congratulates Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images
Captain Richie McCaw says winning back-to-back World Cups is a career highlight after the All Blacks triumphed over the Wallabies at Twickenham.
Both teams reflected on a pulsating final which saw the All Blacks extend to a 34-17 scoreline with a late Beauden Barrett try to seal the result.
Victoriouscaptain Richie McCaw placed the emphasis on their composure.
McCaw and Dan Carter leaves the All Blacks on a high.
"It was a matter of not panicking, doing the simple things, getting the ball back and getting in control. Every man did that a lot over the last few years, but to do it in a World Cup final shows the calibre of men we've got.
"It was about trying to do something no one else has done. We lost a bit of momentum in the second half but we kept our composure and came home strong, which has been a hallmark of this team for the last four years."
Asked about whether this signalled his retirement, McCaw was coy.
"I still don't want it to end, to be honest. I'm still part of this team. I'm going to enjoy today. How could you get enough of this? I'll worry about that after today. I'm just going to enjoy having played the World Cup final with a wonderful bunch of men. I'm so proud of wearing this jersey again today. I don't think you can have enough of it. Why would you ever call it a day?"
Image 1 of 20: Fans gather as the All Blacks arrive at Twickenham Stadium for the Rugby World Cup Final. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Wallabies captain Stephen Moore was effusive in his praise for the opposition.
"It's not about us tonight. It's all about New Zealand. We have no excuses. It's a rugby World Cup final so you deal with that. I am proud of the effort we showed but they thoroughly deserve everything they get.
"At halftime we talked about getting back into the match, we did that, gave ourselves a chance but they showed their class again at the end and we weren't good enough."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen offered his usual pithy analysis, especially in relation to Ben Smith's sin-binning.
"I've always said worry is a wasted emotion. You've got to plan for these things. We knew someone would probably go into the bin at some stage. To be fair to Australia, they played their hearts out and did their country proud."
Hansen reserved some thoughts for Dan Carter, whose dropped goal took New Zealand out to a 27-17 advantage late.
"He's one of the greats, so to come out and show all those skills tonight is special."
"I was just yelling at the ball 'go, go'," Carter said. "I wasn't sure it had enough and was just relieved to see it go through.
"I'm grateful to be where I am after four years ago watching my team-mates play a final. To win back-to-back World Cups is a dream come true."
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika also offered a tribute.
"We gave away a try at the end but we fought back bravely. They're world champions and deserve to be that way.
"There's a no-excuse mentality in my team. New Zealand won fair and square and have been best team since the last World Cup. We wanted to challenge them as best we could."
