New Zealand have claimed the Rugby World Cup for the second time in history after a narrow 8-7 win over France in the final on their home pitch in Auckland.
ґThe All Blacks entered the decider as favorites, boasting a 27-game unbeaten streak at Eden Park, but it was not easy for them to keep up the tradition on Sunday.
As often happens, the final did not turn out to be the most spectacular of affairs, but had more than enough tension in it.
Each side managed to collect just a single try on the night. Tony Woodcock got one for the hosts in the 15th minute, while French captain Thierry Dusautoir came up with a try of his own seven minutes after the restart.
New Zealand created an eight-point lead in the first 40 minutes, and had to work hard till the last second not to let France catch up on them.
The All Blacks` coach, Graham Henry, said his men fully deserved this huge success.
"It has been bloody outstanding," he told the Rugby World Cup`s official website. "Richie [McCaw] and the boys just hanging in there right through the 80 minutes to win this thing."
"I`m just delighted for the boys. We`ve been the top team in the world for a long time, so it`s been a long time coming," the 65-year-old added.
New Zealand previously won the Rugby World Cup back in 1987. They also lost the final in 1995 and have two bronze medals to their tally.
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Russian News
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