Rugby World Cup final player ratings: Dan Carter gives masterclass on his All Blacks swansong to end final pain
Man for man marking from the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham
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Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand re-wrote the history books as they beat Australia 34-17 in the Rugby World Cup final to become the first team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup and beat the Wallabies to a third world crown in the process.
The All Blacks went ahead early through a Dan Carter penalty only for Bernard Foley to level the scores, but two further successful kicks from Carter pushed the All Blacks ahead.
On the stroke of half-time, the defending champions struck to score the opening try of the final. Good work from Conrad Smith exposed a lack of defenders on the right, and after going through the hands of Aaron Smith and Richie Mccaw, the wing Nehe Milner-Skudder touched down in the corner.
The All Blacks continued to up the game after the break, and with Sonny Bill Williams on for Conrad Smith, the former rugby league man released Ma'a Nonu to race in for the All Blacks' second try.
However, a yellow card for Ben Smith for a tip tackle saw the tables turn and Australia hit back with tries from David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani.
But the All Blacks rallied, and after Carter landed a crucial drop-goal to extend the lead to 24-17, the fly-half followed it up with a penalty before Beauden Barrett scored a late try to seal the victory.
So how did the players perform? Click on the gallery below to find out.
Who do you think was the man of the match? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.
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