All Black triumph crowns excellent world cup
New Zealand 34 v Australia 17
Two weeks ago I nailed my colours to an Australian mast, a rejuvenated pack, the devastating pace of their backs and their heart (the thirteen man heroics v Wales) convincing me that they would go all the way. That day I literally posted my blog unaware that with twenty minutes of their quarter final v Scotland still to go, Australia were very much on the back foot. That they should ultimately scrape through by the slenderest of margins and, as we all know, with the aid a dodgy final minute penalty suggested that my support for their cause might be a tad premature. That impression continued into the semi final where they struggled against Argentina only killing off the game (albeit with ten minutes still to go) with a final try that came as a result of a forward pass.
Whatever the question marks hanging over their route to the final they were there and though this current All Black side is regarded as the best ever it still had to cross the line to gain that accolade. Now that it has successfully crossed that line, it is probably safe to say that the All Black’s season 2015 is the greatest rugby side ever.
As a world cup final it was a good rather than a great spectacle. Learning from their semi-final indiscipline v South Africa, during the first half the All Blacks conceded only one penalty which resulted in a score and with Australia playing most of the game in their own half they went in at half time 12 – 3 down. When, within five minutes of the restart, Ma’a Nonu raced through for a wondrous try it looked for all the world as if a rout was brewing.
But as they showed against Wales, Australia are nothing if not resilient and for the first time in the game they enjoyed a prolonged spell where they dominated both possession and territory. Two tries and two conversions later they had cut the deficit to four and the game was all set to ignite. But any qualms within All Black ranks of an impending inferno were soon doused by the indomitable Dan Carter whose exquisite drop goal, followed shortly after by a monster penalty, left Australia needing two scores to win. Though they showed admirable intent in moving the ball into All Black territory possession was soon lost and the final try by Beauden Barrett, out sprinting a physically spent Australian rearguard, confirmed the gulf in class.
For Richie McCaw, for his outstanding team and for the game of rugby in general, it was a more than fitting climax to a six week jamboree that without exception has been regarded as a great success. Intense and at times gripping encounters played in a wonderful spirit, it set a standard of fair play of which football can only dream. As for England; we may not be very good on the pitch but at least we can organise a tournament.
©Mark Brennand