All Blacks win rugby WC after 24 years

Hosts New Zealand just about held their collective nerve to edge France 8-7 and win the World Cup for the second time after a gap of 24 years at Eden Park on Sunday.

Updated on: Oct 24, 2011, 24:07:00 IST

Reuters | By Anonymous, Auckland

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Hosts New Zealand just about held their collective nerve to edge France 8-7 and win the World Cup for the second time after a gap of 24 years at Eden Park on Sunday.

This was not the coronation that had been predicted but ultimately a first-half try from prop Tony Woodcock and a penalty from fourth-choice flyhalf Stephen Donald proved enough to end the country's long wait for a second triumph after 1987.

“The people have been outstanding ... the people who have supported this team and have supported this World Cup -- I am so proud to be a New Zealander standing here,” All Blacks coach Graham Henry said just before captain Richie McCaw lifted the Cup.

“...Richie and the boys just hanging in there right through the match for 80 minutes to win this match is superb. As a day this is something we have dreamed of for a while -- we can rest in peace.”

Having been written off by all but themselves, the French, led by man of the match Thierry Dusautoir, answered the challenge of New Zealand's haka by advancing in an arrow formation before the game and gave the host nation an almighty scare during it.

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