New Zealand dominated the evening, scooping the pool for the majority of the awards – with that one notable exception.
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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says he still thinks he will leave his post in 2017, after the Lions tour of New Zealand.
“I still don’t want it to end”.
“After four years ago, having to sit and watch my team-mates play in the final, to win is a dream come true”.
The pain of a World Cup final defeat to New Zealand will linger for Australia but Michael Cheika believes his rejuvenated Wallabies are only at the beginning of their journey to challenge the mighty All Blacks.
“That happens and we’ve said in games when that happens you’ve got to find another way to get the ball”, Cheika said.
There was more to cheer for the All Blacks as full-back Nehe Milner-Skudder, who scored the opening try of Saturday’s final, was named Breakthrough Player of the Year.
McCaw, who has yet to confirm his retirement from the sport, has outlined the role Hansen has played in shaping New Zealand into the most successful team in World Cup history by being crowned champions for a third time.
Test centurions Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Ma’a Nonu are also stepping away from internationals as is centre Conrad Smith, a veteran of 94 Tests.
McCaw said the balance of young enthusiastic players with the old hands in the 2015 squad “makes this a pretty special team but it is hard to compare because everything’s a bit different but there’s no doubt it’s right up there”.
The Lions will decide on their head coach after the Six Nations’ Championship, with Wales’s Warren Gatland the favourite after leading the tourists to victory in Australia in 2013.
Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver said Cheika had done a remarkable job but there was no urgency to extend his contract given he was already locked in for the next two years.
McCaw has been lauded as the greatest All Black ever by coach Hansen, who Key said was also in line for a knighthood.
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“To be at Twickenham with all the All Black supporters was fantastic as there was a truly great atmosphere but I’m sure New Zealand supporters at home were just as loud and proud”.
