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**Bobcat** · 10-08-2011, 01:37 PM

I hear the Welsh Iris game was a cracker, did anybody see it.

**Napalm** · 10-08-2011, 08:21 PM

Yea, seen the game and it was a good one, Ireland didn't deserve to win and the welsh did exactly what was needed to beat The Irish..

**Torurot** · 10-09-2011, 09:29 AM

NZ All Blacks just beat Argentina Pumas 33 - 10

Australian Wallabies beat South African Springboks 11 - 9

Next up

New Zealand Vs Australia

Wales Vs France

**Torurot** · 10-09-2011, 09:48 AM

Australian Wallabies beat South African Springboks 11 - 9

Australia vs South Africa match highlights

James O'Connor's ability to land game defining kicks has taken Australia into the World Cup semifinal, with an 11-9 win over South Africa.

The livewire utility back took the Wallabies in front with nine minutes to go in a heart-stopping quarterfinal in Wellington and there was then enough determination to hold out the desperate South African team to book a place in next Sunday's semi at Eden Park.

Of all the quarterfinals this weekend, this one was the real heavyweight contest. Both of these teams were capable of winning the World Cup.

And it lived up to the billing. It was like two big bruisers slugging it out, with neither side able to land a killer blow - until cool-headed young wing O'Conner stepped up eight minutes from the end with the match winning penalty, nailed straight over into a tricky breeze from 35m out on the angle.

Will Genia was superb for the Wallabies. No other halfback in the world can play like him under pressure and time and time again he was able to get Australia out of trouble with a quick, long pass as Springboks were players were breathing down his neck.

Flanker David Pocock also had a huge game and the difference in the Wallabies' performance in the games he plays to those he misses can't be understated.

Playing as a unit rather than individual efforts that was effective for South Africa, their tight-five won the collision and had the better of things at lineout time.

Of the South African backs, it was Jean de Villiers who stood out most, giving the side the direction that first-five Morne Steyn is incapable of creating.

Australia won the first scrum, because they jumped the call, but after then it was the Springboks pack that dominated.

Wallabies first-five Quade Cooper had another test where he went missing, there were few of those special moments he can produce, while his kicking was below ordinary.

For the first 11 minutes the Wallabies soaked up the pressure but the Springboks lost the ball on their 5m line and after a couple of quick passes James Horwill was in for the try.

James O'Connor missed the conversion but landed a penalty six minutes later.

The Springboks suffered another blow when openside flanker Heinrich Brussow went off after 20 minutes following a hit to the ribs from Dan Vickerman.

Bryan Habana was also in the firing line and got smashed time and time again as he tried to find a path through the Wallabies defence.

Although he was unable to do this, the Springboks did finally get on the scoreboard in the 38tgh minute from a Steyn penalty.

Five minutes into the second half Patrick Lambie's try was ruled out because of a forward pass and in the 50th minute Habana and John Smit were both subbed. Habana, because he'd taken so many knocks, Smit because Bismarck du Plessis is a superior hooker.

Steyn made the score 8-6 to Australia with a penalty in the 54th minute and then put them in the lead for the first time, from a drop kick five minutes later.

O'Connor dealt with the immense pressure to put Australia back in front from a penalty nine minutes from time and from then on they were able to keep the Springboks out of drop goal distance for the rest of the contest to end the Springboks' reign as world champions.

Result:

Australia 11 (James Horwill try; James O'Connor 2 pen) South Africa 9 (Morne Steyn 2 pen, drop goal)

Springboks coach quits after RWC loss

Peter de Villiers has fallen on his sword.

South Africa's controversial coach's reign came to an end on the same night as the test career of inspirational skipper John Smit.

And so they sat side by side after the Springboks 11-9 World Cup quarterfinal loss to the Wallabies and went out in the same manner they had conducted their respective tenures.

For de Villiers, 59, it was with humour and passion for Smit it was class and selflessness.

"Three notches below a funeral," de Villiers began when asked to describe the Springbok dressing shed before taking a more serious tone.

"It was a brilliant journey, something that none of you guys can take away from me. To work with people like this [Smit], people who are passionate about their country, people who put their body on the line and try to bring hope for the poor people back at home.

"We don't have the privilege that most of you guys have. It was incredible for me to work with them, but there is a time to come and a time to go and the journey I think for me is also over."

It ends a tenure that began in 2008 when he replaced World Cup winning coach Jake White and it has been riddled with comment and controversy ever since.

Asked how he would like to be remembered as a coach, de Villiers said: "I wanted to be the best me I could be. The way I am is the way I want to be remembered."

Smit was typically humble as his 111 test, eleven year vigil ended, "devastated", but hopeful that he had left a good impression on his peers.

"It's not important how I want to be remembered. It's just important hopefully for the influence I've had on the guys I've played with. I've been influenced by them.

"People talk about a legacy, for me it's been a privilege to play with the guys who have made my career what it is, or what it was I suppose.

"Hopefully guys will look back in coming years and whether it's on or off the field ask what would Smity have done?"

Smit, 33, made his debut way back in 2000 and lead the Springboks to the World Cup in 2007, overseeing the side for most of the last four years, but fading on the field.

Many felt Bismarck du Plessis should have displaced him in the front row, but there is no question about Smit's leadership and influence on South African rugby to the end.

He made it clear he had enjoyed his time under a coach who had often baffled pundits with his whacky comments and divided his countrymen with his selections.

"We've had a good four years together and that's been pioneered by Peter. It's not the usual mould of coach many of us have been used to but one we've enjoyed.

"His saying from the day he started, and when he wakes up tomorrow, was 'even the bad days are good' and that's something he's made us [realise]. Enjoy every moment, enjoy each other. He's given us leeway and space and tightened up when we've taken advantage... it's disappointing to end it like this."

Smit made special mention of long time teammate Victor Matfield, the man who took the on-field reigns when his captain was regularly subbed early in test matches.

Smit said his lock's leadership was "sublime", and praised his composure and class before paying him perhaps the ultimate compliment.

"The most valuable thing about Victor is how he makes the players in the side feel around him when he's there. There is a calmness and a composure about him he possesses... a huge player, in my opinion the greatest Springbok that has ever been."

**Torurot** · 10-09-2011, 09:50 AM

All Blacks grind down gutsy Pumas

NZ All Blacks just beat Argentina Pumas 33 - 10

The curse of No 10 jersey struck again as the All Blacks battled grimly to book their spot in the last four of the World Cup with a flattering 33-10 win over Argentina.

New Zealand may be into the semifinals but they could be down to their third-choice pivot after Colin Slade suffered a groin complaint at Eden Park, the same injury that robbed Dan Carter of any further participation in this tournament.

That was the primary talking point a crowd of 57,912 crowd will ponder post-match.

Anxious memories of that shocking night in Cardiff four-years ago will have crept into the consciousness of some, as the All Blacks struggled to shake off the Pumas, who were never expected to get close, until the closing stages.

This was not the complete performance second centurion Mils Muliaina would have wanted as he entered the record books alongside underpowered captain Richie McCaw, clearly plagued by his ongoing foot problem.

Veteran fullback Muliaina, replaced by Isaia Toeava after 50-minutes, was almost brought to tears during the national anthem.

Slade kick-started a shaky beginning by dropping a regulation pass which forced Conrad Smith to scramble back and save a try.

It summed up Slade's short and erratic evening.

He was unable to ease the nerves left by Carter's void and cement his place as the first-choice playmaker. He wasreplaced by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, who linked confidently in his unexpected cameo.

Missing evasive fullback Israel Dagg and powerful utility Richard Kahui, the All Blacks were ragged, disjointed and nervous for large periods.

They looked like a team that had made constant backline changes throughout pool play.

Cohesion was absent, highlighted by their inability to finish chances, other than No.8 Kieran Read and lock Brad Thorn's late scores.

Graham Henry's men weren't able to dictate terms and implement their high-tempo game, a worrying sign ahead of the semifinal against Robbie Deans' Australia.

World No 7 Argentina, keen to engage in the close-quarter combat, put the customary squeeze on at the breakdown.

Their illegal slowing tactics went unpunished by Welsh referee Nigel Owens too long before halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play.

However, for much of the contest the All Blacks failed to adapt and allowed themselves to be frustrated with the infringing.

To their credit, the Pumas' abrasive and committed defence was tough to crack.

It denied Read as he was pushed out in the corner. Two Cory Jane breaks went unconverted in the first quarter and McCaw placed the ball on an Argentinean boot, rather than at the base of the post, in the second-half.

Luckily, man-of-the-match halfback Piri Weepu stepped up to save the day with seven coolly struck penalties.

He took much of the directional duties with Slade prone and Cruden new to the systems.

Without his assured guidance the All Blacks were in strife. He is now more crucial than ever to the hopes of ending 24-years of angst.

The tenacious Pumas made the most telling statement of the first spell when No 8 Leonardo Senatore stepped Read and broke McCaw's covering tackle, possibly confirming the influential pair's lack of fitness.

That movement finished with blindside flanker Julio Farias Cabello busting through wing Sonny Bill Williams for the surprising opening try. Felipe Contepomi gave his side a shock 7-6 lead after 31-minutes, but Weepu put the hosts back in-front, 12-7, at halftime.

McCaw came off as precaution with eight minutes to play when the game was safe. He had plenty to think about on the bench, with the Wallabies now intent to crack the 17-year Eden Park fortress.

Result: NZ All Blacks 33 Argentina Pumas 10

New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7

**Torurot** · 10-15-2011, 09:48 AM

France 9 - Wales 8 Saturday 15 Oct

France is in the final against who ever wins against All Blacks - Wallaby game

**Torurot** · 10-15-2011, 10:01 AM

FULLTIME France 9 Wales 8

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport....-France

It's all over and France are in to the final. It's heart break for the Welsh, who made much of the play and who have contributed hugely to this tournament but have ultimately paid for the early red card shown to captain Sam Warburton.

France decided from that moment to clam up and play safety-first rugby which proved just enough. There was very little to commend about their performance but they'll point to the scoreboard and a rugged defence - even though it was mostly against 14 men.

They're into their third World Cup final following losses to New Zealand in 1987 and Australia in 1999. It will be one of those two opponents who they face at Eden Park next Sunday and on this form they'll struggle.

Many people are saying tomorrow's trans-Tasman semi will uncover the new world champions. They may be right but never rule out the mercurial French.

The Welsh boyos can only contemplate the third-fourth playoff - rough justice for a team who have contributed so much.

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80: We're up to 16 phases. The French are only hanging on. Do they deserve to win this? Wales are 32m out now... The men in red have brought up 20 phases now and we're past 80 minutes... They're losing ground now, it's nearly back to halfway, it'll take something special... And Roberts has knocked on. France have kicked it out.

80: We're up to 11 phases and they're making steady progress. Can they win a penalty or set up for a Jones drop goal. What a finish.

79: It goes wide to Williams but he can't break the line. It's left to the Welsh pace to try to plug some holes on around the halfway line. They make steady progress but time is taking. They can't really afford to kick it away now.

78: France win the lineout and drive but can't win it. It's a Wales scrum, 38m out. Another door opens for the Welsh but they've got just two minutes.

77: France drop out goes deep and Wales respond with ball in hand. Roberts is bundled out though, that's happened too many times tonight. French throw on their own 40m line. They'll still be vary wary of giving away a penalty here.

76: He's missed! It's straight but just under the crossbar. Groans across all of Wales. They're one from five with their shots at goal tonight.

75: Wales keep the ball and Mas is penalised on halfway for illegal entry! Looks a little harsh but theis could by a key moment. Halfpenny, who's been outstanding tonight, is Wales' man for long kicks and he steps up from 49m out, straight in front. Talk about pressure.

74: Wales win the French throw! There's a turn up. There's an exchange of bombs, two by Wales, before Medard claims a mark. His clearance misses touch and Halfpenny jinks up field. It goes to North on the left, who charges just inside French territory.

72: Wales win tap ball and Roberts crashes it up, followed by Phillips. This game is hanging on a knife edge. The Welsh pack have certainly got their second wind. They've spoken all week about a superior fitness level and that could be playing out. But no, Faletau is penalised for not rollowing away after Stephen Jones knocks on. Relief for France, who clear to halfway.

71: Ball won but Yachvili's clearance goes nowhere. Wales lineout 20m out.

70: Wales show patience through a number of phases - with Faletau very busy - and finally Jones unleashes an effective kick which rolls and rolls to just 10m from the French line. Big pressure here on les Bleus.

68: Wales win the lineout and the Phillips box kick is a touch far, fielded by Clerc. His forwards gather and drive on halfway through some nice pick and goes. But Wales have turned it over. They go wide but there's little headway for Davies.

It's back to Jones, whose kick is ineffective. Nice evasion from Medard, who finds touch on halfway.

We're 10 minutes from fulltime and in for a tension-packed finish. Who will crack?

67: France scrum ball goes to Rougerie, who grubbers across field to the Welsh 22m line. Solid play. They certainly aren't keen on chancing their arm.

66: Wales nearly botch another but they clean up and overthrow. They spin it wide to North, who looks strong but loses possession in the tackle. French scrum near halfway. Nice tackle by Rougerie, who has had little to do tonight.

65: Harinordoquy wins it against the throw and Yachvili produces a better clearance, near halfway. Wales have to improve their lineout and goalkicking if they're to have any chance.

64: They win it but Yachvili's clearance doesn't go far. Welsh throw 25m out.

63: Wales go down a left-hand blind but are bundled into touch. France have a defensive lineout.

62: Better looking Welsh scrum but it has to be reset. And again. Mas is down for treatment.

61: Alun Wyn-Jones wins the kickoff and Harinordoquy spills a bomb. Phillips pounces on it and here come Wales. They surge to 30m from the French line through Faletou and Roberts. It's back to Jones but he botches a left-foot drop goal attempt. It's not their night with the boot but they continue to look the more likely side with ball in hand.

Will France end up paying for what has been an incredibly conservative approach in the second half. Welsh scrum, 20m out from the French line.

60: Jones' conversion misses.

59: TRY Phillips. France 9 Wales 8.

Out of nothing, Phillips darts down the blind to score! It's Wales' first visit to attacking territory and this will lift them big time. After a couple of rucks, Phillips makes his dab down the left, throws a dummy which fools Nallet and he scoots past fellow-lock Pape. Brilliant.

58: Wales win it and hit it up. Faletau has been prominent tonight....

57: Wales win it, sparking another exchange of kicks.... this is getting a little tiresome. Wales botch a high kick but regather and Jones helps his team gain plenty of ground with a raking wiper kick. Parra clears to just 25m from the French line. Wales get their chance.

56: Another France win against the throw. They're squeezing the Welsh of possession. Another French kick has Wales throwing in 30m from their line.

55: This unsatisfactory play ends when Parra puts the ball out just inside Welsh territory. A lot of static ball for both teams is turning the game into a kickfest. Wales need to spark something, somehow if they are to bring smiles to the crowd of nearly 62,000 gathered at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to watch this game (!)

54: Wales win this but there's some sloppy passing and aggressive French defence. The men in red are going backwards - 10m inside their half before Stephen Jones is forced to put up a poor bomb.

53: Yachvili tries a tactical cross kick, which sparks another kicking exhange. Now Wales go wide from well inside their half. There's an ineffectual cross kick from Stephen Jones but Medard responds by kicking out on the full. At last Wales have a lineout in enemy territory - 40m out.

52: Harinordoquy wins against the throw, his side are getting well on top in the set pieces. They kick ineffectively and there's a kick exchange before Wales knock on and France have it, 30m out.

52: Yachvili fields the kickoff, just. He scrambles it out brilliantly, to 10m inside the Welsh half.

51: PENALTY Parra. France 9 Wales 3. France have had all the territory in the second half and have finally made it tell.

50: Well won by Bonnaire and France launch a model driving maul. Wales lower it and Rolland pings them. It's left-footed Parra - who is two-from-two tonight - lining up a third penalty shot from the 22m line and 12m in from his right touch.

49: Phillips clears well to Davies, who clears to 25m from his line.

48: And the French steal it through Nallet! But Yachvili knocks on from the next scrum. Chance lost. Welsh defensive scrum in front of their posts. They'll be under pressure.

47: France make little headway off several phases from the lineout. It ends with Clerc, who chips over the top and Wales have a lineout just 5m from their own line.

46: Parra slices through a yawning gap from a French set move - Roberts was somehow impeded. The French No 10 glides to 10m out and finds Clerc, who's caught by the cover defence. Wales clear to their 22m line. French lineout.

Two French changes to the front row while Wales bring on veteran Stephen Jones at first-five for the underperforming Hook.

45: Medard produces another high kick and Halfpenny claims it brilliantly again. Deja vu. A loose Hook clearance and Medard kicks again - which is spilled by Williams. It's conservative stuff from the French but it's working at the moment. Their scrum, 35m out.

44: Wales win the lineout and clear. Medard responds with a tactical kick which just rolls over the touchline. Welsh dropout.

43: France steal it and it's flanker Bonnaire who puts in a neat grubber which finds touch on the Welsh 22.

42: Wales go deep with the drop out and France bomb it back. Once again the outstanding Halfpenny claims it - he's teaching the French how to handle bombs - and France are penalised. Wales lineout just inside enemy territory.

41: France restart and Wales lose possession straight way. Ball back to Parra who lines up a drop goal but it just shaves the outside of the upright. Welsh let off.

----------------------

HALFTIME: FRANCE 6 WALES 3

Forty minutes of tough, tight rugby. France have their noses in front and they'll feel much better about things in the sheds because their opponents are a man short.

The sending off of Welsh skipper Warburton for his lifting tackle on Clerc in the 18th minute threatens to be the defining point of this match. Not only the Welsh down to 14 men but they've lost arguably their best and most inspirational player. Allied to the injury departure of key prop Adam Jones minutes earlier and it will take something very special for the men from the Welsh valleys to get up.

Having said that, they certainly didn't look out of it through the second quarter of the match, giving as good as though got and arguably looking the more dangerous side.

A big problem is a French scrum that is now dominant and the wayward kicking of James Hook, who has missed two very kickable penalties and a late drop goal attempt.

France don't look the same fired-up team who beat England but have the winning of this game if they play it cleverly and keep their defensive line staunch against opponents who are sure to mix play up and keep the ball in hand.

----------------

40: Another dominant French scrum. Harinordoquy bustles it up and Yachvile kicks it straight out.

40: Parra restarts with a long drop out. Williams makes an incisive return and the Welsh are 40m out. Can they score before halftime. North spills it forward and we're back for a French scrum, just inside their half.

38: Faletau makes good yards off the back before Dusautoir finally lowers him. Good central position as the Welsh forwards muscle it up a couple of times. Now Hook and Halfpenny have goes but there's little progress made. It's back to Hook for a drop goal but it's hurried and a shocker. He hasn't got his kicking boots on tonight.

37: Another big blue scrum but Faletau does well to make ground. Hook goes high and Medard fails to control the high ball. They're struggling with the bombs tonight. Welsh scrum just 20m out. Medard stays down for treatment but he returns to the action.

36: The French get their ball to this lineout but knock on. Welsh scrum on halfway.

35: Servat hits it up from the kickoff and Yachvili finds touch just short of halfway.

34: PENALTY Parra. France 6 Wales 3. France lead for the first time in this match.

33: Possession won with the throw and Parra makes a nice dab. Opposite number Hook falls over the ball clumsily and is penalised. It's Parra from 35m out, straight in front.

32: They go long again and a long kick exchange ends in the favour of France. Their lineout inside the Welsh half.

30: France go deep and then fail to handle the Welsh bomb return. Roberts charges upfield and Phillips puts in a super cross kick. Palisson just beats Williams in a race to the ball over the tryline. French drop out.

29: Hooks kick sails wide. He's missed his last two now. Could be costly.

28: Wales looking pretty fluent in general play but they're met by some stinging blue defence again. France turn it over and Parra tries a dink over the top but the outstanding Halfpenny cleans it up. France are penalised for not rolling away and Hook can put his team back in front with a penalty shot from 45m out on a slight angle.

27: More messy scrum ball but the Welsh clear deep. Medard tries a long drop goal but it's short. Hooker goes deep and Medard responds with a dicey bomb. Wales have just inside opposition territory.

26: Welsh scrum is twisted and monstored again but Rolland calls a reset.

24: Wales win it again but turn it over. They move it quickly to Parra who scythes through. He grubbers for his outsides but Halfpenny cleans up 15 from his line. Hook's clearance is charged by Yachvili! and Harinordoquy charges at the line. The Welsh just hold on but it's desperation stuff. They hammer away but Mermoz loses the pill.

Hook clears deep and misses touch so we come back for a Welsh defensive scrum.

23: Wales win the lineout and stretch it left but the French defence is unrelenting. Welsh throw, 30m out.

22: Yachvili finds touch from the kickoff. Welsh throw, 40m out.

21: PENALTY Parra. Wales 3 France 3.

20: Welsh defensive scrum but, with a man down they buckle on the tighthead side. Penalty France and this could be the pattern for the next 60 minutes unless the Welsh pack can find a way to compensate. Parra is kicking tonight for France and is 13m in from his right touch and 22m out.

18: ABSOLUTELY HUGE MOMENT. Bonnaire wins a lineout, Clerc hits it up and he's lifted and thrown to the ground by Warburton. Outcome - the Welsh skipper has been sent off. No hesitation from Rolland and Wales are down to 14 for the rest of the game. Oh my. It's all uphill for them now, particularly without the man who has been so inspirational for them. Looks like a fair enough call from the ref - those sort of tackles just can't be allowed.

First the departure of Adam Jones and now the Warburton's foolish moment. They've got it all in front of them.

17: French scrum breaks up but Rolland says play on. The French forwards are met by some stern defence before Mermoz clears. It's touched by a Welsh hand so France earn a lineout throw just inside the Wales half.

16: Charteris wins it and the Welsh crunch it though the phases. Key man Roberts is on the charge but met in a hard tackle by Dusautoir. Good patience from Wales and Roberts charges into a half-gap, his offload to Davies is too hard though and hits the big centre in the noggin. French scrum, on their 22.

15: Jones claims the lineout and Hook bombs. It's handled by Medard and Palisson clears. Halfpenny responds with an even better kick which stops just short of the tryline. Parra finds touch just 25m from his line. More Welsh pressure on the way.

14: Nallet wins a pressure lineout and Yachvili clears superbly to near halfway with little angle to work with.

13: France drop out goes deep and the Welsh respond brilliantly, with North put in space down the left. They charge into the 22. It ends up back with North again but he's bundled into touch, 15m from the French line.

12: Disappointing miss for Hook, drifting right. He slipped as he kicked it on the slippery surface.

11: The first Welsh scrum without Jones is a messy one, but France are penalised! It's against the French front row for collapsing. Hook steps up from 40m out, straight in front.

9: Alun Wyn-Jones claims the kickoff and both teams trade kicks before Wales rumble it up just inside their half. Phillips gets good distance before Medard again counters. Clerc loses it though and Wales hoe in. Turnover. No advantage and we're back for the Clerc knock on near halfway.

Big problem here for Adam Jones. The veteran prop is assisted from the field and replaced by Paul James. It looks like it's for good so that's a heavy blow for the Welsh, losing one of the best scrummagers in the world.

Hooker Bennett also being treated for a cut to the head.

8: PENALTY Hook. Wales 3 France 0. Super shot. Goalkicking will be crucial tonight.

6: Two-handed ball and there's a cross-kick which North claims. His forward pack are quick to him and Dusautoir is penalised - perhaps a little harshly. North lines up for the first penalty shot of the night, it's a toughie, just 3m in from his left touchline.

5: Back to Parra, whose bomb is too short but France reclaim. However, Clerc is penalised for holding on and Wales have a lineout 40m out from the French line.

4: Harinordoquy runs sideways off this scrum and is hammered by Warburton. Poux knocks on at the next ruck. Wales clear to halfway through hook and the Medard counters but is wrapped up quickly.

3: Harinordoquy claims two-handed ball and Servat bursts clear on a 25m burst. Great turn of speed. Neat Yachvili box kick from the quick ruck ball which Halfpenny knocks on. Suddenly it's a French scrum just 10m out.

2: Gethin Jenkins penalised for a binding infringement. France clear to their 40m line.

2: Two-handed ball and the Welsh pack rumble 15m but there's a knock-on. French defensive scrum.

First minute: Wales kick off and Yachvili kicks straight to touch. Not a great one, it's a Welsh lineout just 25m out from the French line.

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Both teams are walking down the tunnel and onto ... a drenched Eden Park.

There's been heavy rain in the leadup. It looks to have eased off but don't expect a free flowing spectacle.

It may well have turned into an arm wrestle anyway but a damp surface only confirms we're in for trench warfare between the forwards and goalkickers.

It's a shame for Wales, whose expansive style has been one of the highlights of this tournament.

It's a sold out stadium on hand as both sides launch into their anthems. Kickoff is moments away...

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Join us for our live blog commentary of the Rugby World Cup semifinal between Wales and France at Eden Park.

A young and exciting Welsh team will be bouyed by their form in the 22-10 quarterfinal defeat of Ireland.

They will face a French side who lost twice in the pool phase but bounced back to outclass England 19-12 in the first round of the knockout phase a week ago.

Kickoff is at 9pm.

Teams:

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny, Shane Williams, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North, James Hook, Michael Phillips, Toby Faletau, Sam Warburton (capt), Dan Lydiate, Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Adam Jones, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins. Reserves: Lloyd Burns, Paul James, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, Stephen Jones, Scott Williams

France: Maxime Medard, Vincent Clerc, Aurelian Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Alex Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Imanol Harinordoquy, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Lionel Nallet, Pascal Pape, Nicolas Mas, William Servat, Jean Baptiste Poux. Reserves: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Louis Picamoles, Francois Trinh-Duc, David Marty, Cedric Heymans

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

**Bobcat** · 10-15-2011, 12:21 PM

My condolances to the Taff,s. I missed the Red card. But having spoken to a few non Welsh I hear it was a poor decision and it should have been a penalty only possibly a yellow card and no way a red one. Two things; trigger nervous ref or one of his chums had a big fat wager on a welsh red card in the first half. Be intresting to see his holiday bookings in the next couple of months. Those Paddies!!. I hope for him he doesnt get a posting to the Millenium dome in Cardiff ever.

The question is do we cheer for Johnny Frog now. It is incredible that New Zealand with such a small population are so good at an International Sport. Its probably all those sheep they tackle........

**katoeylover** · 10-15-2011, 08:31 PM

Wales were robbed by the worst refereeing decision in the history of the world cup. Period.

Shame...

**tomscam** · 10-16-2011, 03:01 AM

Yep, bad refereeing decision. Cost Wales the game. France played like shit but get through to the final. Whoever wins the Aussie v Kiwi match will win the tournament. Commiserations to Wales as they were the form team until they lost their captain and went down to 14 men.

**Torurot** · 10-16-2011, 09:49 AM

All Blacks 20 beat the Wallabies 6

Half time was Ab's 14 Wallabies 6

That means the finals it's New Zealand Vs France

**Torurot** · 10-16-2011, 09:54 AM

FULLTIME NZ 20 Australia 6

Live blog commentary - All Blacks v Wallabies
DAN GILHOOLY
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport....llabies

History repeats. As was the case in the first World Cup 24 years ago, we can embrace a final between the New Zealand hosts and France.

The All Blacks dominated tonight's trans-Tasman semifinal from the start, suffocating the men in gold, who were rarely in the contest.

Just one try, to Ma'a Nonu, but the All Blacks piled on the pressure in most areas of the game and Robbie Deans' men rarely looked like scoring in the face of a superb black defence.

The All Blacks are into a World Cup final for the first time since 1995. Their quarterfinal/semifinal jinx is over and they will start short-price favourites to repeat the dose from 1987 and beat France at Eden Park next Sunday.

Any repeat of their all-purpose game tonight and the French will need to produce some gallic magic to have any hope.

-----------------------------

80: Last scrum - Wallabies ball 40m out. They win a penalty and Genia taps. Ioane surges up to the 22 and it spills loose. Kahui hacks downfield. He bundles Cooper into touch and the match is over....

80: All Blacks win it through Thorn, one of several heroes in the dominant black pack tonight. Thorn's fired up as Joubert blows for a scrum. He gives the Wallabies pack a mouthful and encourages the crowd to raise the decibels.

78: Wallabies win a penalty and tap and go. They turn it over and Cruden comes away. He's tackled but Pocock is penalised at the breakdown. That's it. The All Blacks can't lose now as the All Blacks clear to touch. The Eden Park crowd is on its feet.

77: Australia win it and launch a series of rucks on the NZ line but once again the All Blacks simply aren't buckling. The Wallabies are too conservative again as they keep it tight. It's time to show some faith in their classy outside backs surely.

76: Wallabies win it and launch a fine attack through Ioane. It goes right to Cooper who steps inside and is hammered by great mate Sonny Bill. But it's a blatant shoulder charge and SBW is sent to the sinbin! NZ down to 14 for the last four minutes as the Wallabies throw to an attacking lineout. Maybe a glimmer of hope for them...

75: Weepu grubbers down the blind and the Wallabies try to counter but Ashley-Cooper is lowered andthe All Blacks apply yet more pressure at the breakdown. They've got better and better in that department. Ball goes out, Wallabies throw, 35m out from their own line.

74: Australia win the short kickoff but Genia knocks on. All Blacks scrum just on halfway.

73: PENALTY Weepu. NZ 20 Australia 6. The first points for half an hour and it just about seals this one.

72: Wallabies front row comes up and they're penalised! There's the trademark Thorn fist pump. He's a key part of this huge NZ scrum tonight and Weepu lines this up, 35m out, on a slight angle.

71: The Wallabies kick deep and NZ counter through Jane. Thorn hits it up, beating one defender before throwing a rare offload which is spilled by Nonu. Wallabies scrum, 35m from their own line.

70: They go down a short right blind and Jane chips into space. The ball just beats him into touch. Wallabies throw, 5m from their line. They've pinned back for what seems like an eternity and still trail 17-6 as we enter the final 10min.

69: Stoppage here. Substitutes Ellis and Hore have both got blood poring from face cuts. Weepu's back on, to a loud roar.

68: Wallabies win the short restart and they keep it in hand. No way through this outstanding black defence though and Hore wins a turnover for his team. NZ scrum 25m out and they're squeezing the life out of the Wallabies.

67: It drifts right. NZ are just three from eight with their goalkicking tonight.

66: All Blacks put the heat on the Wallabies scrum and win a penalty! And now things have boiled over. Hore and Pocock get in a scuffle and Elsom rips off the hooker's head gear. Joubert intervenes before things get carried away and now Cruden steps up for his first kick of the night. He's 50m out on the angle.

65: Wallabies win and go deep through O'Connor. There's some aerial ping pong before Ioane wins a bomb for Australia on halfway and they drive. The All Blacks knock on and the Wallabies have a scrum. They need to show something more with the ball though Australia, and fast, if they're going to get into this game. Time is ticking as Polota Nau comes on at hooker for Moore.

64: No, they're foiled by a ruck infringement against Franks. Big relief for the wary Wallabies, who will throw in just 25m from their line. Hore enters the game in place of the impressive Mealamu.

63: Kaino needs to change jerseys and of course that's taking a while, given how tight the jerseys are these days. Read surges through from the lineout win and they're 10m out from the line. Can they shut the door on this match?

62: Wallabies lineout through Simmons and Pocock hits it up but is hammered by Kaino. Payback! Cooper clears to the 22. All Blacks throw and it seems there's no way out of their territory for the Wallabies who still trail by 13 points.

61: Wallabies win it and the Wallabies bomb but it's spectacularly fielded by Dagg. He and Dagg have been aerial aces tonight. A Cruden grubber ends up with O'Connor on his tryline, whose clearance is partially charged and it's a Wallabies throw just 5m from their line.

60: Dagg tries to drop goal but it's shocker off the side of his foot. Cooper responds with a stepping run before Barnes kicks deep. Dagg has dropped back and makes up fro his poor droppie with a sweet clearance to 35m out from Australia's line. Vickerman and Samo leave the game for Australia, replaced by Simmons and McCalman.

59: They go left off a solid scrum to Nonu, who steps into a half-gap. Just 25m out from the line now as the forwards take over. The pick-and-drives have been very impressive tonight as Joubert warns the Wallabies they need to roll away more quickly.

58: Kaino wins the floating drop out and is barrelled by Pocock. Nice incision by Dagg, followed up by a Mealamu burrow, they're 40m out when Joubert decides the ball isn't coming out. NZ midfield scrum. They still lead 17-6.

56: It's missed. Short and to the right. Two All Blacks changes now. Ellis on for Weepu and Williams for Whitelock.

55: Thorn wins it and the All Blacks try another drive. If they can score next they'll go a long way towards winning this game.

Australia try to counter-ruck and are penalised. It's Moore who's offside. Weepu steps up from the edge of his range, just inside Australia's half and 6m in from the right touch.

54: Wallabies try a grubber which ricochets to Ioane, who makes decent yarns upfield after busting through McCaw.

However, they turn it over and Cruden can kick deep. Barnes responds with a clearance to halfway. NZ throw.

53: The Wallabies throw quickly and kick deep but Dagg responds with a boomer of his own. Wallabies throw 40m out from their own line.

53: Samo is still hazy and he's lost this scrum ball through his feet. It's into touch off an All Black boot though.

52: A break here as Samo is treated. He clashed heads with opposite number Read when the All Black made one of his countless charges tonight.

51: Weepu darts down the right blind from this scrum before his pack takes over. They're met by some tough Wallabies defence before going wide. Dagg makes his first blunder of a brilliant night as his pass drifts forward and over the touchline.

50: Read makes some hard yards off the back and Cruden bombs, picking out Cooper again. The Wallabies try to counter but Ioane loses it forward on halfway. NZ scrum.

Andy Ellis warming up sideline for the All Blacks. Intriguing.

48: Thorn wins the lineout and Cruden puts up a bomb but it's too shallow. The Wallabies can surge again, through O'Connor. The Wallabies are enjoying an extended period in the NZ attacking zone - to no avail yet in the second spell. They can't win this ruck and the All Blacks have a scrum, 25m out from their own line.

47: Elsom wins it and Cooper runs tantalisingly at the line as he links with Ashley-Cooper. The Wallabies are back inside the 22 but are penalised at the breakdown. Super work over the ball by Mealamu as Ashley-Cooper holds on.

Cruden clears to 40m from his line as McCabe leaves the game, replaced by Barnes at second-five.

46: A prolonged Wallabies attack - 12 phases - finally ends when Ashley-Cooper spills possession and Dagg can find touch, 40m from his line.

45: Samo wins it and the Wallabies revert to their patient attacking style before going left, where Pocock makes a couple of metres. Horwill is hammered by Franks and Whitelock but the Wallabies still have the ball. It's not quick ball though. Finally a quicker ruck and Genia can have a dab, they're 10m out.

44: Whitelock claims the short restart efficiently but Weepu's bomb drifts out on the full. Wallabies throw just 25m out.

43: PENALTY Weepu. NZ 17 Australia 6. That's 100 points in test rugby for the lad from Wainuiomata.

42: Read wins another one and they try a drive, which marches 3m before Weepu puts it high. O'Connor claims it beautifully and McCabe has a run. Bad bad decision Australia as Franks hammers the No 12 and Weepu is over the ball. Penalty shot from 30m out. Wallabies diverted from their first-half tactics of kicking everything out of defence they should pay for it....

41: The All Blacks kick off deep and Cooper finds touch 45m from his line. Mealamu to throw.

--------------------

HALFTIME NZ 14 Australia 6

The All Blacks are probably aggrieved they're not leading by more. They've looked very dangerous from the outset but just have one try - to Nonu - to show for it while Weepu's goalkicking has been mixed.

The Wallabies have pretty much launched two attacks and scored from both of them - which could be a worrying sign for the All Blacks if they don't maintain their territorial and possession dominance, which has been huge.

It's pretty even at set piece but the All Blacks pack is winning the advantage line decision and they're playing with a willingness to attack from width which the Wallabies don't want to know about.

Dagg has been especially potent from fullback and was instrumental in Nonu's try, while creating a host of other chances.

Jane has also been dangerous and has won a wealth of ball through his ability under the high ball.

Up front, Kieran Read has discovered his very best form while the rest of the NZ pack are focused.

The Wallabies have shown some dangerous signs, particularly through Genia and Ioane and have also looked patient when they've found themselves on attack.

--------------

40: Twisting scrum won by the Wallabies. Horwill is driven back and it's a turnover. Joubert blows for halftime.

39: Read wins his third lineout of the night and there's runs from Weepu, McCaw and Mealamu. It goes right then left before a Cruden attempted grubber is charged. Ashley Cooper kicks long and the retreating All Blacks knock on just inside their 22. A Wallabies scrum and a late chance for points. If they can score here it will be a major mental boost in the changing sheds. Slight delay while Moore is checked.

38: All Blacks win the kickoff and bomb away. Jane wins yet another high kick, over the top of Genia, he's been freakish tonight under the high ball. Cruden drives the Wallabies back to their tryline but Cooper puts it out on his team's 10m mark.

36: PENALTY Weepu. NZ 14 Australia 6.

35: A messy period here as both sides exchange some ill-directed kicks. It ends as Dagg goes high and Horwill knocks on, straight into teammate Ashley-Cooper. Offside and it's an All Blacks penalty. Weepu steps up from 40m out, straight in front. He's missed a couple from this spot tonight already.

34: All Blacks win the lineout and Jane is put in a half-gap down the right. It's out off a Wallaby and the All Blacks have a throw just 20m out.

33: Wallabies win the deep restart and there are some nice runs from Genia and Cooper - that's a concern for NZ. They surge 20m over halfway but are halted when Elsom is hammered by Read they're penalised at the breakdown. Weepu finds touch 40m from the Australian line.

32: DROP GOAL Cooper. NZ 11 Australia 6.

Very deliberate, patient stuff from the Aussies and Cooper matches Cruden's pot - his first in test rugby. It's just the Nonu try dividing these teams in a great test of high quality.

31: They're into double digit rucks now but the All Blacks line is unbending. Wallabies not willing yet to chance their arm.

30: They win it through Vickerman and Horwill charges, sparking a series of forward hit-ups. They're making steady progress, up to 10m from the NZ line.

29: Wallabies win well - both teams' lineouts are functioning - and after a couple of phases Genia sends through a grubber which bounces awkwardly off Kahui and into touch. Aust throw, 20m out.

28: This time it's Woodcock penalised at scrum time. He went straight down at scrum time. Wallabies throw just inside the NZ half.

27: A delay while McCabe is seen by the medicos. Whitelock wins the lineout and the All Blacks again spread it to both extremes of the field looking for a hole. Woodcock drops it cold though and it's a Wallabies scrum, 25m from their own line.

The Wallabies have now missed 13 tackles. They'll struggle unless they can plug the leaks there.

26: Wallabies win it and send a grubber to Dagg, who scrambles a kick deep. Cooper tries an unfortunate chip which Mealamu gathers and the All Blacks surge to 35m out. Turnover though and Genia goes blind ... but Cooper kicks out on the full. He's having a howler - another one!

25: Pinpoint bomb by Cruden finds Cooper and Kahui hammers him!! Another Eden Park roar. Wallabies do well to regather and they win a penalty at the breakdown - against Mealamu - and clear to 40m out from the NZ line.

24: All Blacks claim the kickoff and bomb. McCaw and Jane - how many kicks has he won tonight? - reclaim it and win their team a scrum on halfway.

23: DROP GOAL Cruden. NZ 11 Australia 3.

How calm is that? The youngster's been under pressure all week yet he's started this game well and has the temperament to land a neat droppie from 30m out, straight in front. Brilliant decision and execution.

Vickerman's leaving the ground now, also with a facial injury of some sort.

22: One well and Mealamu has a good dab. It's swung wide to Kahui, and back again. The All Blacks happy to play with width...

21: Genia's bomb doesn't go far and Read claims it - he's started strongly. The ball goes right and Kahui delivers a super grubber which O'Connor can only carry out. NZ lineout just 10m out. Kepu leaves the game with an apparanet eye injury.

20: Floating drop out is claimed by Jane, who's hammered by Horwill. Read hits it up strongly and Cruden tries a grubber but it's gathered by Cooper.

19: Weepu's shot drifts wide. He's one from four and supporters will hope this isn't too expensive.

18: All Blacks scrum and Kepu is penalised by Joubert for going down, under a fair bit of pressure from Franks. Weepu lines this up, pretty much straight in front from 40m.

17: Wallabies win the restart and bomb but once again Jane is up to the task. Dagg responds with a bomb of his own and Cooper spills it. The Eden Park crowd are giving the 'public enemy No 1' a right royal raspberry.

A delay while Jane is checked for a head cut.

16: PENALTY O'Connor. NZ 8 Australia 3. First attacking moment and the Wallabies come away with points.

15: The Wallabies go through a handful of attacking rucks on the line and McCaw is pinged for a blatant penalty. Both number sevens have been penalised now as O'Conner steps up, 10m to the right of the uprights.

14: Wallabies restart deep again and Jane clears but misses touch. This time the Wallabies are on fire as Ioane busts a hosts of would-be tacklers and is lowered just metres short - great work by Kaino. Huge green and gold pressure...

13: PENALTY Weepu. NZ 8 Australia 0. Relief for the nuggety halfback after missing his first two.

12: This time it's Cruden chiming through, too much gas. He can't link with his teammates but Pocock is penalised at the tackle - his knee wasn't supporting his body weight.

The Wallabies are being shredded all over the park right now.

11: Weepu hits the right upright, Wallabies claim it and scramble it clear - but it they miss touch. Another All Blacks counter coming.

10: Wallabies penalised at the lineout, allowing Weepu a shot, 15m in from the right touchline.

9: Wallabies restart deep and Jane punts long. O'Connor responds with a bomb which is superbly claimed by Dagg. It's swung quickly to the left and Kahui is in space this time. They come back right and Nonu grubbers through to touch, 22m out from the Wallabies line. It's all black right now.

8: Weepu misses the sideline conversion.

7: TRY Nonu. NZ 5 Australia 0

Absolutely brilliant from Israel Dagg. After some fine buildup work, Dagg scythes through at pace, fending off Elsom and, as he's pushed over the sideline throws a miracle pass inside to the supporting Nonu, who scores in the right corner. Dagg's reputation as the among the very best attacking runners in the modern game is surely confirmed.

6: Tapped ball and the All Blacks can launch another attack. It's Jane again, followed by a number of pick-and-drives...

5: Rock solid scrum and it's Jane again but he runs across field and throws a loose pass. The Wallabies claim it and clear 20m through Cooper.

4: Vickerman wins with two hands and Genia bombs but Jane claims it brilliantly. The All Blacks attack again, down the right and it's back with Jane who chips the defence. O'Connor carries it back into his dead ball area - he tries to get out but can't. All Blacks attacking 5m scrum, they're on fire!

3: Jane throws in quickly to Dagg, who surges 25m in a brilliant run, beating three defenders. It's all All Blacks as Nonu and Read make strong runs - now Cruden throws a cut-out to Jane but it goes a fraction in front of the winger and into touch. A better pass and a try loomed - Wallabies just hold on.

2: Horwill wins it cleanly and O'Connoer scrambles it out, 35m from his line.

2: Quick scrum ball and it's a brilliant tactical kick which rolls into touch just metres from the Wallabies corner flag.

First minute: Disaster for Australia - Quade Cooper has kicked out on the full! Just. And it's an All Blacks scrum back on halfway.

Conditions are fine and we're set for kickoff in the biggest match for both sides in four years.

Anthems over and the All Blacks have completed Kapa O Pango, we await kickoff....

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Join us for our live blog commentary of the Rugby World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park.

The All Blacks are the only unbeaten team left at the tournament but face their toughest test and are without the services of injured first five-eighth Dan Carter.

The Wallabies will be bouyed by their gritty quarterfinal defeat of South Africa and success in this year's Tri-Nations although they have also been rocked by injury, to star fullback Kurtley Beale.

Kickoff is at 9pm.

Teams:

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read. Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams

Wallabies: Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O'Connor, Anthony Faingaa, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Radike Samo, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, James Horwill (capt), Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Rob Horne

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

**Torurot** · 10-21-2011, 09:27 AM

Australia beats Wales 21-18 in playoff

HALFTIME: Australia 7 Wales 3

Roll on the RWC final between the All Blacks & France on Sunday!!

**Torurot** · 10-21-2011, 09:30 AM

Live blog commentary - Wales v Australia
DAN GILHOOLY
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport....stralia
Last updated 22:30 21/10/2011

RWC - Wales team gallery RWC - Australia team gallery Wales are doing it for the fans in bronze match Roberts 'player of the World Cup' says Barnes Wallabies can't afford to be thinking of home Stephen Moore makes tribute to best mate
Rugby

Final words won't come easy for Henry Stephen Moore makes tribute to best mate All Blacks unveil same starting team for final Jerome Kaino set for the ultimate honour Live Chat: Grant Fox answers your questions Deans will coach ABs: Ex-NZRU board member Dan Carter: All Blacks better than 2007 side Discipline has got France to where they are France looking for perfect recipe to stop ABs Wales are doing it for the fans in bronze match

FULLTIME: Australia 21 Wales 18

The game was close and ended on a bright note but all in all this failed to raise the heart rate in a big way. Both sides appeared to struggle to lift themselves at times and critics of the bronze medal match will no doubt have their say again. The IRB will point to the large crowd at Eden Park and subsequent money earned as justification.

Either way, Robbie Deans and his team will be pleased to end on a winning note, even though their injury toll was remarkably high.

Fellow-Kiwi Warren Gatland will be disappointed his injury ravaged team couldn't get the ideal end but they should still receive a warm welcome when they arrive back home.

83: CONVERSION Jones. Australia 21 Wales 18.

82: TRY Halfpenny. Australia 21 Wales 16.

Gallant Welsh team end what has been an exciting campaign with a try - which is appropriate. Absolutely huge pressure which began from well inside their own half. This is the sort of stuff which has us wondering how good Wales could be over the next few years with this young team. Unfortunately it's too late tonight.

81: Well into injury time and Wales have rolled inside the Wallabies 22 through Stephen Jones and Powell. Can they finish with a try? The crowd are roaring them on. Shane Williams tries to skirt around them but is lowered by Barnes. We're up to nearly 30 phases...

80: The Welsh been forced back into their own half and finally show some spark as the impressive North gallops into a half-gap. Seventeen phases gone and counting...

79: Australia return the kickoff with a long kick and Wales launch one of the last attacks of the game. But, as has been the case for much of the second spell, it's all happening in the middle of the park and they're getting very little change from the Aussie defence line.

78: O'Conner misses a relatively easy conversion but it won't matter.

77: TRY McCALMAN. Australia 21 Wales 11.

That'll be bronze to Australia. Some great work from some Wallabies reserves - Samo, Burgess and Saia Fainga'a before the impressive McCalman is put into space and he has an unimpeded run to the line.

76: Samo wins the lineout and O'Connor hammers it up. Burgess slides through and offloads to Slipper, Wallabies looking good here...

75: Wales under big pressure at the scrum and Jones scrambles it out, just 15m from their line.

74: Australia have butchered a try! Brillaint counter from a brilliant player as O'Connor is put into space down the right by Barnes. He looks infield and finds Anthony Fainga'a, who finds Ashley-Cooper with an inside ball. But the veteran centrel spills just 2m out! Super last-ditch tackle by North, who got a crucial hand on the ball. Best attacking moment of the match.

73: Wales win a turnover and launch into a series of rucks. This is better as quick hands by Roberts puts North into a half-gap but he's quickly lowered. Some more urgency from the Welsh but yet another handling error strikes.

72: Horwill is off - another Wallabies player who appears injured - replaced by Samo. Wales return the kickoff with a deep kick and Ashley-Cooper finds touch on halfway.

71: PENALTY JONES. Australia 16 Wales 11.

70: Wallabies win the kickoff and try to run it out but lose it. Ioane penalised 40m out, straight in front so Stephen Jones steps up to try to get his side back within range...

69: Burgess on for Genia in a Wallabies side who look every inch like ending their losing streak at Eden Park that dates back to 1986. They're two scores clear and, frankly, Wales don't appear to have the weaponry to unlock a resolute green and gold defence.

68: DROP GOAL Barnes. Australia 16 Wales 8. Super pot from nearly 40m out from Barnes, who is unquestionably the most influential player on the field tonight - perhaps he should have been picked to start last week...

67: Wales win it and find touch just short of halfway.

66: O'Connor's shot is straight but just short. Wales kick deep but Barnes drives them back into their corner. He's having a good night with the booth. Welsh defensive throw, 10m out.

65: Wallabies kick deep and Wales return it with ball in hand but Halfpenny is penalised for holding on. Nice work by prop Slipper, who's having a good night. Here's O'Connor with a shot from 46m out, straight in front.

64: Loosie Powell on for Lydiate and prop Bevington for James in the Welsh pack - Gatland wants to inject some life.

62: This is looking like last week for Wales. Against France they dominated much of the late play, helped by their much-touted fitness, but struggled for line breaks. The ruck count is up to 20 now and they still haven't got over the Aussie 22. Eventually a frustrated Shane Williams tries a drop goal. It's short and wide - bragging rights to the Wallabies defence, and they will drop out. Not until Horwill is treated for injury.

61: Wales win another lineout and Phillips sends his forwards through a series of ruck just outside the 22m line. Roberts of course runs straight and hard but there's little respite. That's 12 phases now.

60: North claims it and runs back into a gold wall but Barnes blows that whistle once again. Welsh penalty and they'll throw to an attacking lineout 35m out. Clean breaks are few and far between in this disappointing fixture - full credit to both defences I suppose but fatigue could be becoming a factor...

59: Long Welsh kickoff and another kicking duel ensues.Wales eventually keep it in hand just inside their half. This looks better as they go blind but the passing just isn't good enough to put players into holes. Jamie Roberts is handled by reserve Aussie lock Simmons and they have a turnover. O'Connor stabs deep to spark some more aerial ping pong.

57: PENALTY O'Connor. Australia 13 Wales 8.

56: Another good Aussie scrum but they struggle to produce anything coherent from it. Wales are eventually penalised, straight in front of their posts, 35m out. Here comes O'Connor, looking to make it three from four for the night...

55: Wallabies win the deep kick and Barnes hammers it downfield... where it's dropped cold by Stephen Jones. He's had a forgettable tournament. Wallabies scrum, 35m out.

54: PENALTY O'Connor. Australia 10 Wales 8. Australia back in front but the rugby still ain't great. The large Eden Park crowd will be hoping things can pick up.

53: Wales scrum on their own 40m line. They drive but are penalised for leaving their feet at the tackle. O'Connor steps up from 42m out, 20m in from the right touch.

51: Wales win the kickoff and kick deep. O'Connor counters and skins Williams - maybe that's why he's not rated - and offloads infield to Higginbotham but it's called forward by Barnes. Wallabies unhappy with that call.

Another injury for the Wallabies. Polota Nau hobbles off to end an injury-pocked 2011. Saia Fainga'a on at hooker.

50: Hook's conversion misses from wide out on the left.

49: TRY Shane Williams. Wales 8 Australia 7.

It came from that Jones turnover inside the Welsh half. Phillips delivered a super grubber through the defensive line which was gathered by Hook. He flung a pass wide - which appeared to drive forward - and Williams extended his foot to control it superbly. He kicked ahead and regathered to score. This wee fellow is vastly under rated in New Zealand but unfairly so. He is highly skilled, fast and with a sharp nose for the tryline - 58 test tries now is proof of that.

48: Wales win another lineout, they've functioned well there tonight. A skewed bomb and the Wallabies tidy it up on halfway. Barnes slices through a half gap and tries an offload - he's been the most inventive looking back on display tonight. Australia still have it and they make a handful of hit-ups 40m out from the Welsh line. It's pretty slow going though and Ryan Jones effects yet another turnover.

47: Wallabies steal the lineout and kick deep. The Wallabies clear to touch on halfway. A holdup now as Pocock is treated for a head cut.

46: Time to pause here and acknowledge Nathan Sharpe as he hobbles off to end his 100th test. One of the great Wallabies has put in a soldiering display after getting injured early.

45: Sharpe wins the short dropout and the Wallabies fling it quickly to danger man O'Connor on the far right. They can't crack the Welsh line but the European side are penalised at the ruck - it's Faletau, who's not having one of his best games in a bright tournament. Wallabies throw in near halfway.

44: Very bad miss James Hook. Goalkicking has been a bugbear at this tournament and Hook has been a repeat offender.

43: Faletau knocks down the throw and Roberts throws himself at the line. Jeepers it wouldn't be fun tackling him. The Welsh forwards rumble it up a few times and Barnes pings Slipper at the ruck. Hook steps up just about right in front, 25m out.

41: We're back under way with a Wales kickoff. A long opening stanza, with Australia keeping ball in hand inside their half for a spell but not looking totally effective. A couple more kicks and eventually Wales have an attacking throw 35m out.

HALFTIME: Australia 7 Wales 3

-----------------

An even affair but it has to be said it's been mildly disappointing as a spectacle. The very nature of a third-fourth playoff means the blood and thunder of a big-time test is going to be missing and that seems to be the case here.

Things started brightly and the Wallabies in particular looked good. The Barnes try was well executed and well deserved.

Since then, the loss to injury of backline creators Cooper (knee) and Beale (hamstring) has blunted the edge of the men in gold.

Wales have looked a fuzzy imitation of the stampeding side of recent weeks. Their lineout is functioning well and they've won some nice ruck turnover ball but the scrum is struggling and their error count is high.

They'll have a slight wind at their back in the second half which could improve the territory stats that are well against them.

For Wales, halfback Mike Phillips has been a dominant kicking with his huge amount of kicking from the base while lock Bradley Davies and No 8 Ryan Jones are the pick of the red pack.

Centurion Sharpe has been a standout for the Wallabies along with No 8 McCalman, second-five Barnes and wing O'Connor but Pocock has been noticeably quiet.

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40: Wales win another lineout and there's yet another Phillips box kick. Wales win back a loose ball and swing it left but it ends with a limp grubber from Davies goes into touch.

40: Charteris wins it and Phillips kicks deep. Ioane takes on North on the outside on counter attack but there's no joy there and he's bundled into touch.

39: Barnes' drop out goes deep and North returns it strongly but Lydiate looses it. Genia pops in a super kick. Welsh throw just 10m from their own line. Can they force a score in the last minute?

38: Kick just drifts right and Wallabies retain their four-point lead with 2min til the break.

37: Ryan Jones makes a storming run off the scrum base, giving his team momentum as they surge over halfway. Anthony Fainga'a penalised 42m out, nearly straight in front and long range specialist Halfpenny steps up.

36: The Aussies move it quickly left but substitute Rob Horne, making a rare appearance, takes on too much with an attempted flick offload and it goes forward.

35: The impressive Charteris wins this and theres an exchange of kicks before Hook looses a high ball forward. Wallabies scrum 40m out.

34: Wallabies scrum on halfway and Barnes stabs a nice kick deep. Wales respond deep before Ashley-Cooper unleashes a super return. Wales throw on their own 22.

34: North is heading sideline with a bloody head cut. Stephen Jones on for him. Higginbotham returns for Samo. The medical staff are earning their dosh tonight.

33: More successful box kick which the Wallabies claim. But Samo, who's on as a blood bin replacement for Higginbotham, has the ball ripped off him by Hook. Embarrassing. Now Roberts spills it at the tackle, both teams are struggling to hold on to possession - you sense there's not the usual clinical attitude of a high stakes test.

32: Davies wins his third lineout and Sharpe charges the Phillips box kick but the ball goes straight into touch. Sharpe is having a blinder as Wales throw from abut the same spot.

30: It seems to be a guessing game at scrum time. Barnes gives Wales a free kick and the men in red tap and go. Nice work from Phillips and Ryan Jones as they surge to halfway. But it's a turnover and the Wallabies kick deep. O'Connor nearly wins the race and a ruck forms just metres out. Ryan Jones does brilliantly again and Wales win it back - it's hot potato stuff. They try to run it out and Higginbotham is penalised.

Wales clear to 30m from their own line, giving both teams a breather in a pretty fast-paced affair.

29: Penalty hits the post! Wales gather and try to run it out but lose it. Barnes says both teams knocked on so it's a Wallabies scrum feed, on the Welsh 22.

27: Knock on and Wales win a scrum but they're penalised again! James Slipper putting pressure on tighthead Paul James. Wales are missing the injured Adam Jones big time, just as they did for most of last weekend's loss to France.

O'Connor steps up from 40m, 15m in from the right touch.

26: More collapsed scrums and this time Wales are pinged. Wallabies throw just inside the Welsh half.

25: Davies wins it and Wales drive ineffectually. It's fair to say they're looking more ponderous than in some of their recent matches and there's a wee knock on from Phillips. Aussie defensive scrum 25m out.

23: Aussie lineout ball and there's nice bursts from Pocock and Higginbotham. But Ryan Jones pinches it beautifully. Wales fail to find touch and O'Connor replies with an unsuccessful chip and chase. Wallabies penalised at the ruck and Wales clear to 25m from the green and gold line.

22: Welsh scrum under a little pressure and Jonathan Davies under pressure as he clears to touch just outside the 22.

21: Nice attack from the Wallabies, with Cooper pulling the strings with a variety of passes, he looks a lot more relaxed tonight.

Oh my, the kiss of death from the live blogger. Cooper has gone done heavily - he suddenly stopped after trying a sidestep - and this doesn't look good.

The Wallabies have already lost Beale and another of their attacking gems, Cooper, is being helped off the park by medicos. A sad end to what has been a high profile tournament to say the least. The best of his talents haven't been on show and he'll be shattered because he was looking good tonight. Early suspicions that it's an ACL knee joint, which means he won't be doing much over summer.

20: Australia kick deep and Faletau with a poor knock-on as Wales run it back. Australia with a scrum on the Welsh 22.

19: PENALTY Hook. Australia 7 Wales 3.

18: We've just had three scrum resets and finally Barnes has had enough. Wales penalty for goodness knows what. Wales will have a shot - a different approach to the Wallabies minutes earlier.

17: Slack stuff from the Aussies. Clean lineout win but Pocock knocks it on cold. Welsh scrum right in front of the sticks.

16: Davies wins the lineout and Hook bombs Cooper, who takes it superbly. Wales force a turnover and North charges. They move the ball quickly left but there's a mixup and the ball is passed into touch by halfpenny. Defensive Wallabies throw but at last some life from the Welsh.

15: Higginbotham wins the lineout but nice work by Gethin Jenkins as Australia are pinged for holding on. Welsh throw-in near halfway.

14: Sharpe wins the kick off and after some messy work they burst up to halfway thanks to a lovely grubber and regather by Barnes. He's showing his class in this game. Wales penalised at another ruck and Australia, who are dominating the opening, have another attacking throw.

12: CONVERSION O'Connor. Australia 7 Wales 0.

11: TRY Barnes. Australia 5 Wales 0.

Slick set piece try. Solid scrum and Cooper threw a lovely, delayed flat pass to Barnes, who stormed into a gap. Nice dummy run from O'Connor fooled the defence.

10: Rob Horne is on for Beale after Wales cleared to their 40m line. Horwill wins and Cooper hooks a clever kick back for O'Connor to chase. Shane Williams clears but is hammered in the process by a charging Polota Nau. Williams' small frame isn't built to handle that sort of thing! He's back in the game as Australia put in to a 5m attacking scrum.

8: Wallabies win it and launch a sizzling raid. Dangermen O'Connor, then Ioane are both just stopped short of the line. Wales penalised and the Wallabies tap - that would have been an easy penalty so they've come to play - but Ashley-Cooper knocks on. Welsh defensive scrum. Beale down getting treatment. Looks like his done his hamstring again and the fullback is limping off. A sad end to the tournament for one of world rugby's best attacking players.

6: Charteris wins it and the Welsh pack drives 10m. The Welsh forwards muscle it up but Shane Williams joins the tight exchange and is penalised for holding on. Nice kick from Cooper and the Wallabies have an attacking throw 10m out.

5: Sharpe hobbles back but looks tender. Wales have a throw now on halfway.

4: Sharpe wins a second lineout but he's gone down with an apparent knee injury - he lost contact with his lifters and seemed to land awkwardly. Not looking good. Meantime Wales are penalised and Australia will throw to a lineout 40m out from Wales' line.

2: Wales win the throw on the second go. Phillips dummies but is hammered by Sharpe. Hook clears deep and the Wallabies attack from deep. Loud boos again tonight for Quade Cooper it would seem. It's starting to get a little tiresome.

Wallabies try a chip but Wales regather. Some loose passing and they're back on their own 22 but still in possession. Davies kicks brilliantly, finding touch 25m from the Australian line.

First minute: Nathan Sharpe, playing his 100th test, wins the short kickoff for Australia and the fling the ball left and then back to the right. Barnes grubbers and Halfpenny hammers deep back downfield.

Wallabies counter again and Barnes grubbers again, this time into touch, 25m out from the Welsh line.

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Weather is fine, anthems are over at Eden Park and we're ready for the battle for bronze.

Both teams should be over the disappointment of missing the big show and hopefully they can turn on a display of running rugby. Wayne Barnes blows his whistle....

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Join us for our live blog commentary of the Rugby World Cup playoff for third place between Wales and Australia.

In a repeat of the equivalent match at the inaugural tournament in 1987, both sides arrive at Eden Park bitterly disappointed not to have reached the final in two days' time.

Wales lost their semifinal 9-8 to France after being reduced to 14 men when captain Sam Warburton was sent off while Australia were outplayed 20-6 by the All Blacks.

Kickoff is at 8.30pm:

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, James Hook, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones, Toby Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Paul James, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins (capt). Reserves: Lloyd Burns, Ryan Bevington, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Lloyd Williams, Stephen Jones, Scott Williams

Australia: Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill (capt), Salesi Ma'afu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper. Reserves: Saia Fainga'a, Ben Alexander, Rob Simmons, Radike Samo, Luke Burgess, Anthony Fainga'a, Rob Horne

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

**Torurot** · 10-23-2011, 08:56 AM

Full time All Blacks win the Rugby world cup by 1 point!!

SHIT that was close!!!! Full credit to the French!!

Fulltime: New Zealand 8 France 7
HALFTIME New Zealand 5 France 0

BREAKING NEWS: As at Mt Everest in 1953, and in 1987 at Eden Park, New Zealand is back on top of the world, with the All Blacks beating France in the Rugby World Cup final in Auckland tonight.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport....p-final

After a nail-biting 80 minute game in which the French challenged the All Blacks at every opportunity, New Zealand's 8-7 victory was hard fought.

Moments from now, when battered captain Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup aloft, he will also lift off the weight of 24 miserable years of dashed hopes and expectations.

More than 60,000 at Eden Park celebrated as New Zealand regained the Holy Grail of rugby, last claimed 8892 days ago.

It was a night for celebration as all the pain, all the angst, all the national soul searching of the intervening years poured out into a black-clad celebration as the All Blacks swept aside France, as they had in 1987.

It was a night for revenge, for the settling of scores with a side that had bundled New Zealand out of the Cup in 1999, then again in the 2007 quarter finals, one of the darkest days in the history of the treasured black jersey.

All Blacks Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Zac Guildford were not born when New Zealand last won the Cup, and reserve Victor Vito was just three months old.

For McCaw, it was the ultimate prize at the end of a tournament in which he dragged his aching body through ruck after ruck, tackle after tackle, to finally lay to rest the misery of the quarter final loss in Cardiff four years ago.

RWC FINAL LIVE BLOG:

Full time: NZ 8 France 7

80: We're into the last minute as Hore finds Thorn with a short throw!! Watch the NZ pack try to shut this down now. They're rolling it forward slowly. It goes to go ground and the hooter sounds. The French are penalised and this game's over. Let the celebrations begin! All Blacks are world champions.

79: France counter-ruck but they're penalised! It looks like Harinordoquy. Huge roar from the Eden Park crowd and Donald takes no chances with his clearance, to 10m from the French line.

78: Same old same old as the All Blacks keep it tight. The French defenders are getting increasingly desperate.

77: Solid NZ scrum and Read bursts blind. It's slow ball and Williams burrows forward, followed by Franks. Are they going to try this for the last three minutes? Risky stuff if they're penalised.

76: Rougerie hit hard by Smith. He busts the tackle but loses it under pressure from McCaw. Brilliant stuff from the All Blacks skipper. Smith is getting some treatment, his head came out second best in that exchange with Rougerie.

McCaw also looks dazed but he's back to his feet. NZ scrum, 40m from their line with 210 seconds on the clock.

75: Joubert goes to his whistle.... and it's a French scrum, 40m out. This game is on a knife edge with less than 5m remaining. Yachvili off(?) replaced by Doussain while Nonu makes way for Sonny Bill Williams at second-five. Fascinating change by the All Blacks coaching staff.

74: Fourteen phases now and France are keeping it tight, almost waiting for an All Blacks penalty...

73: Rougerie is thumped by Kahui but France roll on relentlessly, this is eight phases now. Just seven minutes left, this is it. Four years of hard work comes down to these last seven minutes for both teams.

72: Thorn wins it and Ellis bombs. France have it just inside their half and they go wide. Smith makes a strong tackle on Rougerie but Dusautoir drives on well. Mermoz is scragged to the ground but France still have it on halfway through Nallet and then Dusautoir.

71: Ten minutes for the All Blacks to hold on - which is all they're doing at the moment, barely creating a chance. Pierre wins this and it's moved to Palisson, who makes good ground down the left. The ball is eventually driven out. Huge pressure on Hore here, throwing 37m from his own line.

70: French lock Pierre is on for Pape but it's Harinordoquy who wins another. France drive and force a penalty, they clear to just inside the NZ half. Gee the French lineout has dominated proceedings tonight, they've arguably replaced South Africa as the best lineout in world rugby.

69: Szarzewski is on at hooker for France and he finds Harinordoquy for his seventh lineout win. France drive to the 40m line before Yachvili puts in a weighted kick. Claimed by the impressive Kahui, who hits it up strongly. Nice touch for Donald, who forces another French scrum on their own 22.

67: A better All Blacks scrum as Ellis drills the kick. Traille tries a bomb that goes straight up but he reclaims it. Nallet drives forward for France, he's been outstanding tonight and now France go quickly left, and over halfway.

The forwards in white are winning the battle of the advantage line before Trinh-Duc bombs but it's comfortably taken by Dagg, who marks. He sends a huge spiral down field and France will throw to a defensive line out, 35m from their line.

66: France bomb which is beautifully claimed by Traille over Dagg. But the French knock on and it's an NZ scrum on their 22. Can they get out of their half? Dagg is getting attention, looks like he injured his hip when he came down from height contesting that high ball.

65: Bad shot. It's drifted to the right and short. Pressure valve released as Donald sends his drop out deep.

64: It's still NZ 8 France 7 as France march the All Blacks back at scrum time. France penalty!! Huge moment in this game. Mas put in some super pressure on Hore, who popped up. It's Trinh-Duc from right in front, 48m out.

63: Pape wins it with ease and Williams is penalised for playing the ball on the ground. Bad missed touch though from Trinh-Duc and Dagg replies with bomb. It goes too far and Harinordoquy runs 15m. Joubert blows his whistle right on halfway for a French scrum.

62: Ellis bombs, that's been a regular NZ tactic tonight. France run it out but Hore turns it over at the tackle, that's his trademark. The All Blacks attack down the right but Donald runs into touch. French throw, 25m out from their own line.

61: France win the NZ throw! More pressure but not used so well this time Mermoz grubbers straight into touch. Line out 35m from the NZ line.

60: Scrum twists and it's against Poux on the French loose head side. Another breather for the All Blacks. They'll throw 40m from their line.

59: Pape wins the line out and after a couple of drives, Mermoz charges but loses it forward. A rare French error of late and it's an NZ scrum 20m from their line. A sense of real tension surrounds this game.

57: It's Harinordoquy again, what an athlete, as France drive this line out. Mermoz and others run into trouble before Yachvili puts an effective kick in. Dagg can only find touch 20m from the NZ line. France are starting to squeeze control of this game.

56: Harinordoquy wins his fourth throw of the night and the French put it through two rucks before Trinh-Duc finds touch deep in NZ territory. Kahui throws quickly to Dagg, who finds touch near halfway. Read down and groggy but he's back in the game.

55: Another good French scrum. Rougerie's attempted grubber bounces off Smith and into touch. French defensive throw, 35m out.

53: All Blacks forwards work it away before a sweet break by Donald! Best All Blacks moment for some time now as they surge into French territory. Franks and McCaw make strong runs before Nonu has a stab down the right.

Some scrappy work at the base of the ruck sends Ellis back pedalling to halfway. Smith and Williams make charges before Nonu knocks on in the tackle. Great defence France and they win a scrum on halfway.

The All Blacks are lacking composure and the French coaching box and reserve bench are looking very animated.

52: Mas is down for treatment before France produce a throw that isn't straight. All Blacks scrum.

51: Good French scrum and they go through some phases before kicking deep. Dagg runs it out, he looks a little panicked but the All Blacks regroup and find touch 40m from their own line.

50: Whitelock and Mealamu are gone, replaced by Williams and Hore before Weepu kicks the restart out on the full! Weepu replaced now too, an unfortunate end to an exceptional tournament as Ellis enters the fray.

49: CONVERSION Trinh-Duc. NZ 8 France 7.

48: TRY Dusautoir. NZ 8 France 5.

Brilliant French try to the skipper, just as he did four years ago, and proof that these guys are right in this. It's no more than the French deserve for their efforts tonight, coming in the end off a turnover and some lovely attacking cohesion which ended with Dusautoir sliding in next to the upright.

47: Deep kick off and Dagg responds with a mazy run. But he's turned it over and the French respond with a sizzling counter - it's the outstanding Trinh-Duc again. It goes through a number of phases and Rougerie goes close. This time it goes right...

46: PENALTY Donald. NZ 8 France 0. A little nervy, but it just snuck inside the right upright. Huge sigh of relief around the country. Change for France, Traille on for a hobbling Clerc - they've lost another game-breaking back.

45: Read wins tap ball and as usual it's Nonu carting it up. France penalised! In a very kickable position, straight in front, 30m out. Who's this striding forward? Stephen Donald of course. He's taken the kicking duties from Weepu. Cometh the hour...

44: All Blacks go deep and Medard returns with a bomb. Brilliant return from Kahui, who shrugs off two defenders in a barnstorming run over halfway.

Weepu hoists a quick nudge over the ruck but it's well fielded by Mermoz, who ultimately clears to touch, 35m from the French line.

43: It just drifts to the right. NZ drop out and they'll want to stamp some control on this match before France get a really decent foothold.

42: The French are making some serious headway here and the under-pressure hosts are penalised for hands in the ruck. It's McCaw. Tough decision here for France because it's wide out on the left but Yachvili is stepping up...

41: France get us under way and Jane is hammered deep in NZ territory. Weepu hoists one of his many box kicks tonight and it's brilliantly taken by Harinordoquy. Dusautoir hits it up and the dangerous Medard finds a little space.

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HALFTIME NZ 5 France 0. Well, we've got ourselves a doozy of a World Cup final.

All predictions that the All Blacks would clear out to a comprehensive win appear well wide of the mark. It's been a very even encounter, surprisingly so.

The French pack has lost nothing in comparison to the All Blacks eight and they've been surprisingly adept when keeping the ball in hand, leading to an advantage in possession and territory at the break.

They've also made five offloads to one, an area of the game in which the New Zealanders are usually dominant.

The one France weakness has been discipline, they've given away seven penalties to three but haven't paid for it due to a poor night with the boot for Weepu, who has badly missed his three shots.

Both sides have lost their No 10s to injury, with the All Blacks perhaps the more affected. While France get the services of the well-performed Trinh-Duc, New Zealand supporters will shift uncomfortably at the sight of Stephen Donald entering the game with very little recent rugby under his belt.

Read and Nonu have been the pick of the All Blacks with their running while Medard and Nallet are the French standouts to date.

------------

40: McCaw recovers another overthrow and Weepu is happy to bang it in to touch. A pretty defensive end to the half for the All Blacks - perhaps shows they're a rocked off their stride a litte right now.

39: Dagg with a shocking clearance which misses touch and the French return fire with the boot. The All Blacks counter, up near to halfway before Dagg bombs.

France field it and drive up near the halfway line. Trinh-Duc kicks out on the full and there's just time for a short All Blacks lineout, on attack 40m out.

38: A little heat on this NZ scrum but they clear and Nonu again makes good ground. France are penalised, looks like Dusautoir. Big relief for the hosts, who are looking a little shaky as halftime looms.

37: All Blacks win their own drop out and kick deep. Trinh-Duc makes a clean break and surges 20m. France have momentum as they fling it left but are halted. They go right but Trinh-Duc is held up brilliantly by McCaw. All Blacks defensive scrum.

36: To add insult, the All Blacks are penalised at scrum time and France clear to the NZ 22. They win the lineout and after a couple of rucks, Trinh-Duc unleashes a drop goal attempt from a handy position but it drifts right.

35: You couldn't write this script. Cruden has been helped from the field and Donald is on in the World Cup final!

The man who has a legion of critics the nation-wide has entered the biggest game imagineable to run the cutter. Huge sympathy for Cruden, who has been quiet but capable tonight.

34: Mistake here though as Servat throws down the NZ side. All Blacks go wide but lose it and Cruden is down! He's getting treated but the right knee looks dicey, it looks like a hyper-extension. Stephen Donald is warming up...

33: ABs win a free kick and Weepu clears. France lineout, just inside NZ's half. They're well in this at the moment, much more than most predicted.

32: Won again by Nallet before the industrious French pack unleash a series of tight drives. Knocked on though by Servat. NZ to feed to a defensive scrum. A chance for the French tight five to have a bit of a crack here. First some treatment for Whitelock, but he's fine.

31: Scrum twists, strong work from Woodcock, before Trinh-Duc kicks, it's touched by McCaw before it rolls into touch. Great result for France, who throw to an attacking lineout, 18m out.

31: Another French back down, this time Mermoz, but he's back on his feet. Drop out is knocked on by Kaino and it's France's first put in, 10m short of halfway.

30: Quick ball off the top by Read and they move it quickly left. Then back to Read, who makes a big charge - he's looking very sharp tonight - before Kahui tries a grubber. But it just rolls over the tryline and Rougerie can force for a drop out. France are doing well to hold on right now.

29: Nallet wins a short throw and France look to drive but make no headway. Trinh-Duc finds touch with a nice clearance. NZ attacking throw, 40m out. They still lead 5-0.

28: McCaw wins a deepish dropout and Read and Dagg make some nice runs before Weepu sends another deep wiper which dribbles into touch just 8m from the French line.

26: A bad bad miss. Normally a good goalkicker, Weepu's confidence appears well off tonight. The All Blacks will hope this doesn't come back to bite them. France must improve their discipline, they've conceded five penalties to NZ's two.

25: Whitelock soars but the All Blacks turn it over at the tackle. But at the next ruck France are penalised for holding on! Sometimes it's better to clear with the boot and up steps Weepu, he's missed his first two. This is 25m out and 12m in from the right touch.

24: France win it but Yachvili can only find touch on their 22. The pressure continues.

23: France win the lineout and bomb but it's claimed in spectacular style by Kahui. Read and Nonu make more powerful surges before Dagg probes beautifully with a 40m kick that finds touch just 5m from the French left corner flag. Pressure mounting on les Bleus.

22: Another injury problem for Parra. He's already been off once to the blood bin. He's off again, this time it looks like for good. He's being replaced by Trinh-Duc, the man who many believe should be wearing 10 anyway for France.

21: Read and Nonu also look threatening before it's flung wide. McCaw takes the tackle, 35m out. Nonu sees a half gap but is just lowered. Dagg has a crack down the outside but is bundled into the left touch. French throw on their 22.

20: Long throw from Mealamu, doesn't look straight but play on as Read links with a charging Kahui. Now Cruden and McCaw have dabs but France are nice and aggressive on D.

19: First one goes down, try again. It twists 90 degrees and the All Blacks win a penalty, they're getting the best of things via Joubert right now. All Blacks throw on halfway.

18: France win it and drive but they can't free it up. All Blacks win a scrum - the first of the match after nearly 18 minutes. This will be interesting.

17: Messy work from both teams at the restart before the All Blacks burst clear through Thorn, Nonu and Kahui. The latter is penalised for holding on. A relieved France can clear from their 22 and will throw to an attacking lineout, 20m out.

16: Weepu pushes the conversion to the left.

15: TRY Woodcock. NZ 5 France 0.

Brilliantly worked try, what a way to open the scoring! It was a deep throw to Kaino, who flicked it back to a charging Woodcock, who was virtually unchallenged as he charged 10m. Who would have picked the big loosehead to be the first to cross tonight? That had all the hallmarks of a move that has been rehearsed countless times on the practice field. Well, it's paid off.

14: Dusautoir wins good ball at the back but goes to ground and is penalised for holding on under good pressure from Weepu, who finds touch brilliantly. NZ attacking throw, 10m out. No shortage of early lineouts.

12: Morgan Parra has been down receiving treatment and is now leaving the field. It looks like a knee from McCaw was to blame although it was accidental.

All Blacks win the lineout and Weepu bombs. Not well handled but the French regather and win a penalty, they kick for touch and will throw to an attacking lineout, 35m from the NZ line.

11: Read wins a lineout and Weepu kicks long but not out. Medard counters with ball in hand, they've changed their approach hugely from the dull semifinal win over Wales. It goes wide to Mermoz, who grubbers into touch, 35m from the NZ line.

10: AB lineout win and Nonu charges hard in midfield. ABs turn it over and it's a super wiper kick from France. NZ throw just 10m from their own line.

9: Servat finds Harinordoquy, two hands and they drive before Yachvili kicks very deep. It's a beauty, just inside the NZ half. A very even start to this game, neither side could say they're on top.

7: Good high dropout and France win the loose ball near halfway. They move it quickly right and again look semi-dangerous as Nallet barges it up. Now they swing it left, there's no shortage of ambition from the French and they're looking pretty handy.

Loose pass though and the All Blacks have it 30m from their own line, and they're looking to run it out before Nonu unleashes a delicious wiper kick. French defensive throw, just 20m out from their line.

6: Bad miss, dragged badly. Weepu's now 15 from 21 at the tournament. French dropout.

4: Thorn wins a loose tap from the lineout on halfway and Kahui makes good ground. They make 10m before Kahui is pushed out in a blindside attack. A second penalty against France though, this time for offside against Parra. Weepu steps up from 36m out and close to his left touch. Tricky shot but conditions are nice and still.

2: First All Blacks throw is too deep! Bonnaire comes away, over halfway. They move it quickly right to Clerc and then back left, where Harinordoquy makes headway, 10m inside NZ half. France are keeping ball in hand but not making a lot of headway against a robust black defence. Loose pass from Yachvili but Medard recovers and makes good ground back over halfway. Big hit by Smith on Parra but France are retaining well, up to 13 phases now as Palisson makes good ground.

Palisson penalised for holding on, ending a good period for France, they held the ball well and made a little headway. More importantly, they forced an NZ lineout mistake, an area of the game where they could cause problems.

First minute: Craig Joubert blows his whistle and Weepu kicks short. All Blacks win and move it quickly left. They've got the ball but it's slw on their own 10m line. A high kick is well taken by Medard and France win some slow ball. Yachvili kicks but it sails straight out on the full! Poor start from Yachvili, nerves maybe. NZ throw, 35m out from the French line.

--------------------

Brilliant weather at a packed Eden Park for a monumental occasion.

The eyes of the sporting world is on Auckland as both teams sing their anthems.

What's going through the mind of the All Blacks players as they sign of God Defend New Zealand? Revenge perhaps for those who bowed out against France in the quarterfinals four years ago.

Now it's haka time, Piri Weepu steps up. Intriguing from France, who have formed a wedge formation and are holding hands to confront Kapa O Pango.

Now drama as Dusautoir and his men march forward! This in direct IRB contravention but who cares? It's the final. France have received this challenge in bold style. Game on!

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This is it. Welcome to our live blog commentary of the Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and France in Auckland.

Can the tournament hosts at last end 24 years of misery at this tournament?

Not since 1987, also against the French at Eden Park, have the All Blacks tasted World Cup glory.

A succession of five failed campaigns since has heaped the pressure on captain Richie McCaw and his men and they've responded in the best possible way at this tournament to date with a succession of dominant wins.

Their opponents, though, are unpredictable France - the side who so famously toppled the All Blacks in the World Cup semifinals in 1999 and quarterfinals in 2007. Both were matches the All Blacks were expected to win easily.

The 48th and final match of this seventh Rugby World Cup awaits...

Teams:

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams

France: Maxime Medard, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Imanol Harinordoquy, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Lionel Nallet, Pascal Pape, Nicolas Mas, William Servat, Jean-Baptiste Poux. Reserves: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Jean-Marc Doussain, Francois Trinh-Duc, Damien Traille

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

- Stuff

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Rugby World Cup 2011

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