No. | Name | |
---|---|---|
15Israel Folau, - | ||
14Adam Ashley-Cooper, - | ||
13Tevita Kuridrani, - | ||
12Matt Giteau, - | ||
11Drew Mitchell, - | ||
10Bernard Foley, - 2 | ||
9Will Genia, - | ||
1Scott Sio, - | ||
2Stephen Moore, - | ||
3Sekope Kepu, - | ||
4Kane Douglas, - | ||
5Rob Simmons, - | ||
6Scott Fardy, - | ||
7Michael Hooper, - | ||
8David Pocock, - | ||
Replacements | ||
16Tatafu Polota-Nau, - | ||
17James Slipper, - | ||
18Greg Holmes, - | ||
19Dean Mumm, - | ||
20Ben McCalman, - | ||
21Nick Phipps, - | ||
22Matt Toomua, - | ||
23Kurtley Beale, - |
*Players currently on the pitch are shown in bold
Match Commentary
Match report available HERE
ESPN's Sam Bruce had this to say:
"New Zealand are the Webb Ellis Cup champions for the third time after they held off a second-half fightback from Australia to run out 34-17 winners at Twickenham. The All Blacks dominated the first half to lead 16-3 at the break but the second-half sin-binning of Ben Smith for a lifting tackle opened the door for the Aussies and they soon took their opportunities with tries to David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani. But a Dan Carter drop-goal, of higher quality that his effort against the Springboks in the semi-final, allowed the defending champions to steady and while Australia pressed hard in the closing minutes, a runaway try by Beauden Barrett following a Drew Mitchell error allowed the large All Black supporter on hand to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The All Blacks are deserving world champions."
Man of the match: Dan Carter
Barrett! Unbelievable decision making from Ben Smith to kick forward and Barrett darts after it running the majority of the pitch, having to kick the ball again himself in the process, and the only Wallabies man in any proximity is Pocock, who just doesn't have the pace against the replacement. This is all over now..!
Unbelievable piece of skill. Very far out, 46 metres. Extra time now if Aus score and then convert.
HERE WE GO! GAME ON! Genia's kick into the corner is chased down by Foley and very few men in black surround him. He's taken down by Milner-Skudder eventually but not quickly enough as he still manages to find the incoming Kuirdrani who powers his way to the line.
Solid pushing from the Australian pack results in the maul working wonders, helping to open the pathway for Pocock to plant down for five points. Late Australian fight back?
Truly fantastic try from Nonu. Sonny Bill Williams draws in three defenders before offloading on the half way to the All Blacks 12 who darts in the diagonal direction, from right to left, ditching Drew Mitchell and Kurtley Beale on the floor. Could be game over... Carter's missed the kick, mind you.
ESPN's Sam Bruce had this to say straight from Twickenham:
"New Zealand appear to be on their way to a third Webb Ellis Crown having dominated the first half at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon. The Wallabies have barely tasted New Zealand's turf, while the All Blacks have powered up field with ease for much of the first half. The Wallabies have lost both Matt Giteau and Kane Douglas, two big blows, but the duo would have been powerless to stop some lovely handling that brought about the All Blacks only try just before the break. First centre Conrad Smith hit a lovely hole before offloading to Aaron Smith on the inside, the scrum-half then finding his skipper Richie McCaw, who has had a brilliant first half, who found Nehe Milner-Skudder for the try in the corner. Dan Carter added the conversion from the touchline to complete a perfect four from four with the boot and round out New Zealand's 16-3 lead. The Wallabies have it all to do. "
Wonderfully worked try. Conrad Smith's great reverse offload helps to open space down the right flank before McCaw offloads to his right finding their winger. He had little to do besides run forward three metres and plant down. Tries in RWC finals aren't common and that could be Australia's undoing.
Saved! Just a penalty. Too far to kick for three, so the corner it is.
PREVIEW...
"So, this is it. Following six weeks of bruising action, Australia and New Zealand are the two heavyweights left slugging it out for Rugby World Cup glory..."
You can read ESPN's preview, produced by Martyn Thomas, HERE.
WHO TO FOLLOW...
Follow our men on the ground, Tom Hamilton @tomESPNscrum and Sam Bruce @SamBruce86, who'll be providing us with first hand insights straight from Twickenham.
Also, Rob Bartlett @RobBartlettESPN is at the Richmond fan park supplying images and information from some of the supporters!
THE TEAMS...
AUSTRALIA XV: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (captain), Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock
NEW ZEALAND XV: Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read
STATS AND FACTS...