The No, 10’s flawless kicking put New Zealand in control and then ended Australia’s hopes after the Wallabies threatened a comeback.
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“There was a lot of emotion in the shed, and clearly there are a big bunch of players who are leaving us now who have contributed so much to that jersey, so that would have been a bitter sweet kind of moment I’m sure”.
Carter’s second-half drop goal, which came after the Wallabies had fought back to within four points, was the first in a World Cup final since Jonny Wilkinson’s famous kick in 2003 which clinched the title for England.
Carter finished the highest-scoring World Cup final with 19 points to take his record points tally to 1,598, and finally played a full part in an All Blacks’ World Cup win after getting injured during the team’s 2011 title campaign.
“He is one of the great players and for him to come out and show all his skills tonight … it is pretty special”, said New Zealand coach Steve Hansen. Savea finishes the tournament with eight tries, equalling the record for a single World Cup set by Jonah Lomu (1999) and Bryan Habana (2007).
Werner Kok of South Africa was voted Sevens Player of the Year while Nigel Owens, who took charge of the World Cup final, given World Rugby’s referee award.
“They now have this capacity to replicate what they’ve been doing for the last four years and that to me is bad news for everybody else”, he said.
“That will be for others to say”, he said, as he portrayed the All Blacks, who beat Australia 34-17 on Saturday, as a bunch of nice guys rather than debate whether they were the best of all time.
Three of Carter’s compatriots were also among the honours.
“I want this year’s team to leave next year’s team something to work with and so on”. The Australians resistance broke just before half-time, when Conrad Smith, Aaron Smith and McCaw all combined to put Nehe Milner Skudder over in the corner. It was the ninth time the All Blacks have won it. “He’s left this team in a really good space, he’s guided it well and done himself proud”.
Hansen said it may not be in the best interest of the team if he were to carry on in his role. You’ve got to mark yourselves against the best and they’ve been number one for a while.
“You try to keep it under wraps and just try to enjoy the day”.
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McCaw will continue training upon returning home – “things like going for a run, I love doing that, it makes you feel good” – but will be able to do it on his own terms. I’m just so proud.
