Rugby World Cup: New Zealand overcome Australia in thrilling final

New Zealand have become the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup. They beat Australia 34-17 in an exhilarating final at Twickenham, to win a record third world crown. After a tense, and often messy, opening period, the All Blacks seized control, with a try by Milner-Skudder helping them to a 16-3 half-time lead. Ma’a Nonu went over the line to extend their advantage early in the second half, but the Wallabies fought-back, scoring tries through Pocock and Kuridrani, to reduce the arrears to just four points. However, Dan Carter then provided what was, arguably, the games pivotal moment, executing an intelligent drop-goal to take the momentum that Australia were building. He followed that with a penalty from near the half-way line to all-but secure the win with seven minutes remaining. Barrett then stormed through to score the final try late on as the All Blacks once again lifted the Webb Ellis trophy.