No more years of hurt for New Zealand

After 24 long and painful years, containing near misses and tragic failures, New Zealand finally have their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy once again.  All those years ago France were once again the victims, but this time around it was much closer and Les Blues came mighty close to spoiling the party.

The 8-7 scoreline highlights how The All Blacks were nearly pipped to the post.  Amongst the post match celebration, relief must have been a huge factor.  Tony Woodcock's early try seemed like it would settle the hosts, but the underdogs, overwhelmingly beaten by New Zealand in the group stage and also suffering a loss to Tonga, refused to be beaten.

Thierry Dusautoir, today named International Rugby Board player of the year as some consolation, as he and his forwards pressed at the scrum and line out.  When the captain slid in under the posts and Francois Trinh-Duc converted, a stadium was stunned and a tense last half hour followed.

It was left to Stephen Donald to slot over a late penalty, and some late defensive heroics to seal the win.  The 27-year-old had started the tournament way down the pecking order, and only last week was on a fishing trip, and he couldn't quite believe it after the final whistle.  Talking to the BBC he said: 
"My preparation wasn't ideal but it was an unreal experience.
"To pretty much come from nowhere just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet."
He added:  "You always dream about things like playing in World Cups, but as number four in line you start to give that up a bit. But when I got the call I felt like the dream just got that much closer to reality again.
"To pretty much come from nowhere and find yourself playing in a World Cup final is an unreal experience - it just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet, and it's the same for the rest of the guys. They were just sitting around the changing room, not moving much and not saying much.
"The coaches said to me to be ready because it could come down to me having to kick the winning goal, and that is exactly how it panned out."

Following the injury to inspirational Fly-Half Dan Carter earlier in the tournament, some doubted whether this side could fulfill it's years of planning to triumph on home soil.  These doubts were heightened when Captain Richie McCaw fell to injury, luckily though it wasn't too serious and he was able to return to lead his side in the knockout faze.  Piri Weepu performed heroics in the semi-final victory over Australia, taking on the tactical nous of Carter, but found himself a little out of his depth in the final but crucially New Zealand had the supplies to call on to get over the line.

Many sides had huge hopes coming into this tournament, and true the trophy could have gone back to any number of countries.  Australia and South Africa are always strong, England always confident but marred by off field antics, Ireland played some excellent rugby and defeated The Wallabies but were undone by a Wales side unlucky to have Sam Warbuton sent off in their semi-final loss to the runners up.

It is now on to England 2015, and while there's room for improvement in hosting a tournement they do have a huge act to follow.  New Zealand will no doubt head over as favourties, and Red Rose amongst others have some growing up to do, but right now it's about a nation that will celebrate a victory that is long long over due.

All Blacks near date with destiny

In the early hours of Sunday morning (GMT) New Zealand have what they have been searching for for 16 years.  A Rugby World Cup final appearance, and they hoping they can replicate their only triumph in the tournament some 24 years ago in 1987 also held on home soil.

Like most World Cups since they have been hotly tipped to win and steam rolled all before them, but what is different this time is that they haven't imploded.  Despite injuries to Captain Richie McCaw, who has since returned, and Dan Carter who was ruled out of the tournement at the group stage.  In what was their toughest match of the tournament against Australia at the Semi-Final stage, they looked as dominant as ever and produced a wonderful all round performance.

Ma'a Nonu went over early and the All Blacks never looked back, the Centre and Winger one of five southern hemisphere players on the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year.  Two other kiwi's, namely Piri Weepu, who in Carter's ansence has been largely trusted with kicking duties, and Jerome Kaino.  David Pocock and Will Genia of Australia are the other's from the southern hemisphere, while France can take some hope from the fact the man making up the list is their captain Thierry Dusautoir.

No one really gives Les Blues a chance, which could just work in their favour.  Many quarters claim they don't deserve to be in the final, while Fly-Half Morgan Parra say's it is "France against the World."

It has not always been plain sailing in this tournament though, if fact some might say far from it.  Coach Marc Lievremont has come out with some rather interesting comments throughout the tournament, after group stage defeats to New Zealand and Tongo, Quarter-Final victory over England and in this week's build up.

However could this negativity have really helped, after all this is their first final appearance in 12 years.  Dimitri Yachvili, French Scrum-Half, claims this side is now like a family, while Vincent Clerc has pleaded not too underestimate this France side.

Despite this though it is nard to look past the hosts, who have threw a terrific World Cup, and whose only victory in a final on the World Stage was against France at Eden Park, this site of the years finale.  Coach Graham Henry is stepping down after the final, it is almost like it is written in the stars.

Come back next week for a World Cup round up, while Sports Portal will also be making it's first trip to take in Guinnes Premiership action.