The All Blacks have done it; they became the first side to not only defend the Rugby World Cup, but to win it three times when they beat the Wallabies 34-17 at Twickenham on Saturday.
It wasn’t all plain sailing from the New Zealanders though. After Ben Smith was sin binned for a dangerous tackle, the Wallabies mounted a fightback and narrowed the gap between themselves and their opponents to just four points.
But the All Blacks maintained their composure and saw the match out in style.
Nehe Milner-Skudder scored the first try of the match on the stroke of halftime after Daniel Carter had opened up a six point lead for the defending champions with three penalties to a solitary penalty from Bernard Foley. Carter converted the try to give the All Blacks a 16-3 halftime lead.
Sonny Bill Williams was subbed on after the break and was immediately involved, helping set up up Ma'a Nonu for New Zealand's second try to make it 21-3.
Australia’s first try came immediately after Smith was sent to the bin with David Pocock forcing his way over the line from a maul that was set up from the ensuing penalty.
Tevita Kuridrani narrowed the gap to six points in the 64th minute after Will Genia chipped over from a ruck. Foley made no mistake with the conversion reducing the deficit by a further two points.
With the margin only four points going into the final 10 minutes, Carter slotted a drop goal then kicked a penalty to calm Kiwi nerves before Barrett broke away and hammered home the victory for the All Blacks.
