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OTD: NZ greats Carter and McCaw bow out

By PA
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Dan Carter admitted he could hardly have had a better ending to his glittering international career after his man-of-the-match performance helped New Zealand to a third World Cup triumph on this day in 2015.

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The fly-half’s flawless kicking put New Zealand in control and then ended Australia’s hopes after the Wallabies threatened a comeback, as he finished with 19 points in a 34-17 victory at Twickenham.

New Zealand’s win meant they became the first team in history to retain the World Cup after their success on home soil four years earlier.

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New Zealand captain Richie McCaw later hung up his boots after winning 148 caps, with New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen rating McCaw and Carter as the best All Blacks of all time.

Hansen said: “Richie is the best All Black we have ever had, and Dan is a close second.

“The only thing that separates them is Richie has played 148 matches at flanker, which is unheard of. You put your body on the line every time you go there.

“The challenge for the other guys is to try and become as great as him and Dan.”

Hansen also paid tribute to Australia for putting up a strong fight in the second half.

“On a night like this, it’s extremely tough for the loser, but I thought Australia were magnificent in the way they approached the game, they never went down.

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“At 21-3, you could be fooled into thinking the game was over, but at 21-17 they could easily have come back.”

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams, meanwhile, gave his World Cup winner’s medal to a fan in the Twickenham crowd after the game.

Young All Blacks supporter Charlie Line tried to race on to the pitch to celebrate with his heroes, only to be stopped by stewards.

Williams was then pictured meeting Line, and draping his medal around the youngster’s neck.

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1 Comment
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AIDAN 473 days ago

I agree with this, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are the greatest of all time 🔥

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RedWarrior 29 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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