Dan Carter excelled as New Zealand defeated Australia 34-17 in the World Cup final at Twickenham. New Zealand were on top from the start, forcing Australia on to the back foot. Carter’s ever-accurate boot opened the scoring with an excellent penalty kick.

His opposite number Bernard Foley was on equally good form, though, levelling things up after Ben Smith had been penalised for a knock-on.

But Carter added two further penalties before Nehe Milner-Skudder scored the first try of the final on the right wing, which the fly half then converted to give the All Blacks a 16-3 lead at the break.

Ma’a Nonu increased the advantage with a marvellous solo run shortly after half-time. Ben Smith complicated things for the All Blacks when he got himself sent to the sin-bin for tipping Drew Mitchell over.

David Pocock capitalised immediately with the Wallabies’ first try, which Foley converted. Seconds before Smith could rejoin the fray, Tevita Kuridrani added another plus Foley’s extras, reducing the All Blacks to a four-point lead.

Yet the All Blacks maintained the advantage, with Carter adding a drop goal and a penalty in the closing minutes alongside a converted Beauden Barrett try, and were worthy champions.

-

Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @Joy997FM. Our hashtag is #JoySports. The RWC 2015 was live and exclusive on SuperSport, your world of champions. 

-

Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @Joy997FM. Our hashtag is #JoySports