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On this day: All Blacks defeat Australia to win Rugby World Cup

By PA
Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup after the All Blacks' World Cup success in 2015. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

New Zealand made sporting history at Twickenham on this day in 2015 after they beat Australia 34-17 to win the World Cup for a second-successive time.

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The All Blacks were also the first side to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy on three occasions after retaining the crown they had won four years earlier.

A 16-3 half-time lead was soon extended before the Wallabies mounted a comeback but Dan Carter’s ice cool drop goal was followed by a penalty which established a comfortable lead that Beauden Barrett added to with a try at the death to make history.

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Both Southern Hemisphere nations had to survive tight knock-out matches to reach the showpiece event with Australia edging out Scotland 35-34 following a Twickenham thriller in the quarter-finals, while New Zealand narrowly battled past South Africa in the semi-finals by a two-point margin.

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ma’a Nonu tries either side of half-time put the All Blacks in control after the opening 40 had contained some huge hits mixed in with flair and skill.

Australia mounted a terrific response when David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani crossed over but Carter showed his class with some flawless kicking before replacement Barrett sprinted away onto Ben Smith’s kick to confirm New Zealand’s win.

Captain Richie McCaw retired a month later to bow out of union’s top table, having at the time played a world-record 148 Tests, winning 131 of them.

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All Blacks’ Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Julian Savea and Carter were named in the 2015 World Cup dream team after the tournament had concluded.

Savea’s tally of eight tries equalled the most in a single World Cup, which was also matched by compatriot Jonah Lomu and South African Bryan Habana.

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j
johnz 20 minutes ago
'Let's not sugarcoat it': Former All Black's urgent call to protect eligibility rules

This is such a devisive issue in New Zealand, Razor is a brave man; people tend to take polarising stands of all or nothing positions. I suspect there's a balanced compromise, if people are able to discuss the pros and cons rationally. There are good arguments from both sides of the debate, and as with all controversial issues, the solution is rarely black and white.


But let's take the Barrett vs Mounga debate, a topic that never grows old. I think some context is in order when Barrett is proclaimed as "loyal", while it seems to be insinuated that Mo'unga is not.


A little history is needed regarding Barrett's loyalty - so far he has had 2 (or 3?) sabbaticals, which are really just overseas-based All Black's by stealth. Since he left the Hurricanes, he's 'been a bit part player at the Blues at best, while his performances at SR level have left plenty to be desired. As of last season, he quit NZ Rugby for Japan. It's concievable the rise of Mounga played a part in that decision, while Mounga's subsequent departure appears to have played a part in BB's return.


Only after the fact BB tried to negotiate a contract to be the 1st official overseas-based player. So loyal? Maybe. Opportunistic? Probably. It's clear Barrett's first instinct was not commitment and sacrifice to the coalface of Super Rugby.


I don't recall a Mo'unga being awarded a sabatical at all, and he has been a far bigger contributor than Barrett has at Super Rugby level for quite some time. Perhaps NZR just didn't value Mo'unga enough to bend the rules the same as they have for Barrett?


NZR have always massaged the rules for Barrett and expended a lot of financial resources to keep his services. At the same time, our player depth get's stripped away, as premier SR players, such as Plumber and Burke, take off for better pay cheques elsewhere.


Personally, I wouldn't mind if the big wage bill for a few aging stars like Barrett are shared with Japan. I'm not convinced Barrett's adding much at SR level and the money could be used elsewhere. Just as long as there's no guarantee of a jersey for such marque players, I don't see a big issue.

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