Classy Carter wins plaudits as All Blacks make history

LONDON – New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter was the man of the hour as the All Blacks became the first team to claim back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles beating Australia 34-17 at Twickenham on Saturday.

Carter slotted a key long-range drop goal and 50 metre penalty in a 19-point haul to help seal the win against old rivals Australia, and claimed the man of the match award in his last outing in an All Blacks shirt.

“He is one of the great players and for him to come out and show all his skills tonight … it is pretty special,” said New Zealand coach Steve Hansen.

“It’s a great way to finish. You couldn’t script it any better.”

Carter, who had to watch from the stands as New Zealand claimed their 2011 win after suffering a groin injury in the pool stage, was elated to have been part of such a special team.

“I’m pretty grateful to be where I am considering what happened four years ago,” Carter said.

“I’m so proud of the team. To win back-to-back World Cups is a dream come true. It’s a pretty strong group of guys. We try to do things no other team has done before … it’s a special feeling to be part of such a great team.” Reuters