New Zealand have won the 2011 Rugby World Cup after narrowly beating France 8-7 in the final in Auckland this morning.
Richie McCaw led the hosts to their first World Cup triumph since 1987 in his last international match.
The All Blacks were heavy favourites heading into the encounter and wasted an early opportunity to go ahead when Piri Weepu, who was on kicking duties for the hosts in the absence of Dan Carter, sent a 6th minute penalty wide of the posts.
New Zealand did take the lead shortly after, with Tony Woodcock the surprise scorer, crossing the line after breaking from the line-out but Weepu couldn't convert the prop's try.
The hosts then pressurised the French in search of further scores, but Les Bleus were stubborn in their defence, absorbing some powerful All Black attacks.
Weepu continued to struggle with his spot-kicking, missing another penalty as New Zealand's lead was restricted to five points.
Graham Henry's kicking woes were worsened when his alternative option, fly-half Aaron Cruden, was forced off injured and replaced by Stephen Donald.
However, Donald stepped up to extend the All Blacks' advantage to 8-0, sending his first kick confidently through the posts.
The French response was immediate, captain Thierry Dusautoir crossing the line, with Francois Trinh-Duc adding the conversion to make the score 8-7.
But the hosts hung on to secure victory in their own back yard, winning the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time in 24 years.
Joe Fish
