TSE Exclusive: All Blacks clinch Rugby World Cup title

Nadene Smith October 23, 2011 0

TSE Exclusive: All Blacks clinch Rugby World Cup title

AUCKLAND: The All Blacks clinched their first IRB Rugby World Cup title in 24 years Sunday when they edged out resurgent France by 8-7 in a hard-fought final played at Eden Park with over four million Kiwi fans cheering the home team.

All Blacks, who are regarded as the most consistent and most successful rugby team in the world rugby circuit, finally got some relief after they defeated all the speculations and butterflies in their stomachs to grind out a gutsy victory that gave them their first world title since 1987.

In 1987, the New Zealand All Blacks had defeated the same opponents by a huge margin of 20 points at the same venue but this time it was not a one-way traffic as France came back strongly in the match after trailing by 8-0 at one stage.

The rugby nation, which had been waiting for the rugby world title for over two decades, roared in ecstasy when skipper Richie McCaw raised the Webb Ellis trophy.

The victory came from an unlikely quarter as Stephen Donald who was included into the side during a fishing holiday provided the winning point as his penalty separated the two sides in the end which he took showing no nerves at all.

The victory has come at an important time for the New Zealanders as the nation has faced severe disasters in the recent past including Pile River mine disaster as well as the deadly earthquake in Christchurch earlier this year.

On the other hand, France showed their resilience against the top rugby side as they challenged the best side ever in the sport to a great degree resulting in an epic finale to a great tournament.

French captain Thierry Dusautoir was declared Man of the Match for his superb display.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw told reporters here after the historic victory, “It wasn’t pretty but it came down to how much desire, how much courage the boys had. A lot of guys have put in a lot of effort for a long time. I take my hat off to every single man who took the field today.”