Rugby World Cup 2015 Finals in 25 Pictures

 Richie McCaw of New Zealand and Dan Carter of New Zealand hold the Webb Ellis Cup aloft following victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Ma'a Nonu of New Zealand breaks through on his way to score his team's second try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Israel Folau of Australia is tackled by Julian Savea (no11) and Conrad Smith of the New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of New Zealand and Richie McCaw of New Zealand pose with the Webb Ellis Cup after victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of New Zealand celebrates in the dressing room following victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Nehe Milner-Skudder of the New Zealand All Blacks dives over to score the opening try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Sam Whitelock of New Zealand is tackled by Will Genia of Australia during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 details shot of a scrum from Australia and New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Michael Hooper of Australia is tackled by Sam Whitelock of New Zealand during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of New Zealand scores a conversion during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

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 Ma'a Nonu of New Zealand is tackled during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 Ben Smith of New Zealand takes the high ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of New Zealand is tackled by Sekope Kepu of Australia during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Ma'a Nonu of New Zealand breaks the tackle of Drew Mitchell of Australia on his way to score his team's second try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe)

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 Julian Savea of New Zealand is tackled by Stephen Moore of Australia during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of New Zealand clears the ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Israel Folau (c) of Australia and Richie McCaw of the New Zealand All Blacks compete for a high ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 David Pocock of Australia (obscured) goes over to score his sides opening try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia and Julian Savea of New Zealand challenge for the high ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Richie McCaw, captain of New Zealand lifts the Webb Ellis Cup after victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 Rob Simmons of Australia wins a lineout from Sam Whitelock of the New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of the New Zealand All Blacks kicks a drop goal to put his side 24-17 ahead during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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Drew Mitchell of Australia claims the high ball under pressure from Nehe Milner-Skudder of the New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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A rugby statue is seen outside the stadium prior to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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The Australia team face the Haka before the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 30, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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New Zealand 34 - 17 Australia 

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South Africa v New Zealand / Semi Final / Twickenham

 Victor Matfield of South Africa and Sam Whitelock of the New Zealand All Blacks compete for the ball in a lineout during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2015 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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Defending champions New Zealand booked their place in the Rugby World Cup Final thanks to a 20-18 win over South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

In a nail-biting encounter, the two-time champions and tournament favourites outscored their fiercest rivals two tries to none to advance to their first RWC Final in the northern hemisphere. But it didn't come easily.

South Africa led 12-7 at the interval thanks to four penalties from the boot of Handré Pollard while Jerome Kaino scored the only try of the first half for New Zealand.

The All Blacks ruled both the territory and possession stats in the first 40 minutes but the Springboks held the edge in the physical arm wrestle, especially at the breakdown while also enjoying the upper hand at the rare scrums.

It was the classic clash of styles we had all expected as New Zealand constantly probed with ball in hand while the Boks turned defence into attack.

The Springbok lineout was under pressure however and four stolen lineouts over the course of the game robbed them of vital momentum.

Full Match Report from Planet Rugby

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 Duane Vermeulen of South Africa plays the ball from the scrum during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2015 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Fourie Du Preez of South Africa catches a high ball under pressure from Dan Carter of the New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Brodie Retallick of the New Zealand All Blacks is tackled during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Jerome Kaino of the New Zealand All Blacks wins the ball in the line out from Schalk Burger of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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Sonny Bill Williams of the New Zealand All Blacks is tackled by Francois Louw of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2015 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Pool A - Wales 28 - England 25

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 A resounding comeback from Wales helped them secure a 28-25 win over Rugby World Cup hosts England at Twickenham on Saturday.

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 Geoff Parling of England and Bradley Davies of Wales compete for lineout ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 25, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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George North of Wales is tackled by Jonny May of England during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 25, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Owen Farrell of England is tackled by Taulupe Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones of Wales during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 25, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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Pool C / Wembley Stadium

 Leonardo Senatore of Argentina is hauled down by Richie McCaw and Aaron Smith of the New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 20, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 Kieran Read of the New Zealand All Blacks wins the line out ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 20, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Tomas Cubelli of Argentina is hauled down during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 20, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Ritchie McCaw of New Zealand leads the Haka during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 20, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 The opposing team scrummage during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 20, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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Kieran Read of the New Zealand All Blacks charges forward with the ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 20, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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Japan 34 - S.Africa 32 / Rugby World Cup 2015

Male Sau of Japan is tackled by Victor Matfield of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 18, 2015 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe) 

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Ayumu Goromaru of Japan tackles Jean De Villiers of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 18, 2015 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

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England v Fiji

Jonny May of England is tackled by Metuisela Talebula of Fiji during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on September 18, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 17, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe) 

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England vs Fiji - 2015 Rugby World Cup Opener Highlights
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The Rugby World Cup 2015 / London

The Rugby World Cup 2015 Opening Ceremony starts on the playing fields of Rugby School and culminates at Twickenham Stadium ahead of the opening match of the tournament between England and Fiji.

rugby art

Wallabies win The Rugby Championship 2015 / Sydney

A Wallabies jersey is seen in their changeroom prior to the Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

(Aug. 7, 2015 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Australia have broken New Zealand's hold on the Rugby Championship trophy thanks to a 27-19 win over their trans-Tasman rivals in Saturday's decider in Sydney.

The All Blacks had won every previous Rugby Championship since the expansion to four teams in 2012, but were outscored three tries to two by their hosts in a thrilling contest at ANZ Stadium.

This is Australia's first title since claiming the Tri-Nations in 2011. The result also means New Zealand must win next week's clash at Eden Park if they are to retain the Bledisloe Cup, which they have held since 2003.

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Stephen Moore of the Wallabies tackles Kieran Read of the All Blacks during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

(Aug. 7, 2015 - Source: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 David Pocock of the Wallabies makes a break during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

(Aug. 7, 2015 - Source: Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Man of the match: A mention for David Pocock, who was excellent once again, but we have to go for Nic White, who only needed 15 minutes on the field to change the complexion of the game.

Moment of the match: The All Blacks are usually the ones who produce a fast finish but White's try will long be remembered as it sealed a memorable win.  

Match Report from Planet Rugby

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A general view is seen a scrum packs during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

(Aug. 7, 2015 - Source: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Nick Phipps of the Wallabies waits for the ball from the scrum during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

(Aug. 7, 2015 - Source: Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 next test:

 Bledisloe Cup

New Zealand v Australia

Eden Park

Aug 15

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Adam Ashley-Cooper of the Wallabies scores a try during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

(Aug. 7, 2015 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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