All Blacks In Historic Rugby World Cup Win

New Zealand have become the first team to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, beating Australia 34-17 in the final.

The All Blacks had been ahead 16-3 at half-time before Australia staged a rousing fightback, which looked even more threatening after New Zealand lost Ben Smith to a yellow card.

But in the final 16 minutes, a drop goal and long-range penalty from New Zealand's Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett's late try settled the contest.

Carter, who scored 19 points in the game, was named man of the match. The game is likely to be a farewell for him, hooker Keven Mealamu and centres Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

Speaking after the match, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said: "I'm so proud of the guys today. We played damn good rugby, kept our composure and finished strong."

Addressing speculation that he may retire from international rugby after this his second World Cup, McCaw, a veteran of 148 tests, said: "I still don’t want it to end to be honest ... at the moment I’m still part of this team and why would you ever call it a day?"

Wallabies captain Stephen Moore said: “It's not about us tonight, it’s all about New Zealand - best team all tournament and they deserved it.

"I'm proud of the effort we put in through the 80 minutes but sometimes you come up against a better team and that was us tonight."