Congrats to the All Blacks…
While the game may have looked over at half-time when New Zealand led Australia by 16-3, the Wallabies led a spirited fightback in the second half despite conceding an early Ma’a Nonu try.
David Pocock was at the back of a maul which crossed the NZ try line to dot down while Tevita Kuridrani scored scored again for Australia after a clever kick to the corner by Will Genia.
However, they could never quite reel in the All Blacks as Daniel Carter slotted a drop goal in the 70th minute to push the New Zealand lead to 24-17.
He would a further long-range penalty and conversion as Beauden Barrett scored a late breakaway try.
Final score 34-17 to New Zealand.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to a frenetic second half…
To Ma’a Nonu’s early try
Christ. Here we go.
Wallabies need to wise up sharpish.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 31, 2015
That is what I call an impact substitution – SBW to Nonu – try – all over and SDs facing a hiding.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) October 31, 2015
TRY!! Ma'a Nonu looks like he has just won the World Cup for #NZL
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) October 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/Woolberto/status/660503180128710656
To Ben Smith’s yellow card for New Zealand
Letter of the law. That is a card. 100 percent
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 31, 2015
All Black defenders have been lifting legs all game, was bound to catch them
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) October 31, 2015
When Australia’s comeback started
A driving maul from a lineout sets up David Pocock for a crucial score, Foley converts #NZL 21-10 #AUS #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/jTsCyLPHUw
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 31, 2015
Now we done got a game of football…… #AUSvNZ #RWC2015
— Rob Timony (@RobTimony) October 31, 2015
#🐨
— Ken Early (@kenearlys) October 31, 2015
Surely no doubt now that this has been the best World Cup ever. Has delivered so much quality and entertainment. #RWC2015final
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) October 31, 2015
What a final, conditions are superb. Street fight now. #RWCFinal
— Jean Smyth (@JeanSmyth) October 31, 2015
As Dan Carter steered his side through the murky waters with his prolific boot
The word metronomic was invented just for Dan Carter's kicking #RWCFinal
— Paul Moore (@ElChiefMoore) October 31, 2015
PEN Dan Carter has been magnificent with the boot & a long-range penalty puts #NZL 10 points clear #NZL 27-17 #AUS pic.twitter.com/X58RuLZi9t
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 31, 2015
Carter. Carter Carter. Got to get a few mentions in as no more in ten mins time. Supreme drop goal
— Mick Cleary (@MickClearyTel) October 31, 2015
Dan Carter has balls of steel, oval balls of steel #AUSvNZ
— Neil Delamere (@neildelamere) October 31, 2015
As New Zealand saw out the game
All over now as Beauden Barrett scores and Carter adds the conversion. 34-17.
— Owen Gibson (@owen_g) October 31, 2015
Congratulations to the All Blacks.
2015 Rugby World Cup Champions.
Carter – absolutely superb. #RWC2015
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 31, 2015
@DanCarter = G.O.A.T👏
— jimmy cowan (@cowan_jimmy) October 31, 2015