The All Blacks not only lifted the Webb Ellis Cup to become the Champions at the Rugby World Cup final on October 23 at Auckland’s Eden Park, but also re-wrote history, winning what appeared at times to be an impossible game.
It was in 1987 that they had won the Inaugural Cup at the same venue.
The latest win ended their 24-year draught, as they beat France 8-7 in a nail biting finish.
But seconds before the final whistle, it appeared that the Cup was slipping out of their hands. The French team deserved credit for putting up a good fight.
It was as much a victory for Captain Richie McCaw, his team and Coach Graham Henry as it was for New Zealanders, who backed their heroes to the hilt since they played Tonga at the opening match on September 9 at the same venue.
There were moments of anxiety as the scoreboard showed slow progress but it was Tony Woodcock, who crashed over in the 14th minute to score directly from a well-worked lineout move to settle the nerves of All Blacks fans.
Dull Half
As Rugby commentators said, the team made little progress in the first half, failing if any, to capitalise on the opportunity that Woodcock provided. At half time, they were leading France 5-0, missing the conversion and two penalty kicks in the process.
The World Cup Rugby final became ‘deadly’ when collisions became fierce, forcing France first-five Morgan Parra from the field, groggy and bloodied. Francois Trinh-Duc replaced him. Aaron Cruden (the third choice first five) followed in the 33rd minute, after landing awkwardly on his knee.
Coach Henry had no hesitation in bringing Stephen Donald as a replacement. He stepped up to kick a penalty goal shortly after half time.
Donald later said that he was unaware of the impact that he would cause and change the course of the game.
“It was just a kick out in the front and I just put it over,” he said.
Henry said he was nervous, not just about Donald.
“I knew he could handle it. Donald played bloody well. He kicked what turned out to be the winning goal and gave us field position when we needed it,” he said.
Earlier, French Skipper Thierry Dusautoir destroyed the 8-0 lead as he ran through a gaping hole to score beside the posts. The try was converted and the All Black lead was as thin as it could be.
The French Strength
Undoubtedly, the French players proved to be worthy finalists. They pushed the All Blacks all the way, keeping their score close to their own.
“We showed that France deserved their spot in the final,” Dusautoir said.
Teamwork helped the All Blacks to win the game, although some players seemed to disappoint their fans. There was Israel Dagg, whose kicking was more of a threat than his running, Cory Jane, who had more to do in defence than attack, Conrad Smith, who missed an early tackle and Ma’a Nonu, who made little headway with France tacking low.
But to the All Blacks and millions of New Zealanders and Rugby fans worldwide, such details were of little significance. What mattered was that we won the coveted World Cup and justified all that fuss over the game since the season began almost two months ago.
