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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England 28 - Springboks 31 / Twickenham

Merchandise goes on sale prior to kickoff during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Fans arrive prior to kickoff during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Victor Matfield of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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 Brad Barrit of England dives over to score a try during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Match Report / Planet Rugby

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Emerging on top in a physical, flawed tussle, the Springboks rebounded from defeat in Dublin to win 31-28 at Twickenham.

South Africa's issues against Ireland were well documented but there was no arrogance at Twickenham, just trademark power and commitment in defence in a brutal battle. They weren't perfect by any stretch, but got the job done.

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 Danny Care of England is tackled by Jan Serfontein of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dave Attwood of England is tackled by Victor Matfield (L) and Duane Vermeulen (R) of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the Match: Outstanding at the breakdown, Marcell Coetzee won a number of penalties.

Moment of the Match: The line-out England shouldn't have had. From it Ben Morgan drove over to level the game up at 20-20.

Villain of the Match: Was it the right call? Dylan Hartley's yellow card will split opinion but his careless action could have been avoided.

Planet Rugby / Match Report

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Willie Le Roux of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

22 Nov

Itally v S.A

• Stadio Euganeo

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England v Samoa

• Twickenham

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Twickenham / Hillary Shield

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 Captain Richie McCaw of New Zealand receives the Hillary Shield after the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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The England team line up to face the Haka from the All Blacks during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe)

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New Zealand continued their unbeaten run in 2013 with a hard-fought 30-22 victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Julian Savea scored two tries with Kieran Read also crossing the England line for the All Blacks to win their 13th match of the year.

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 Ben Youngs of England kicks the ball clear during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Julian Savea of New Zealand (R) is tackled during the QBE Autumn International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Tom Shaw/Getty Images Europe)

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This was a game that had it all. Theatre, power, pace, skill and above all, physicality.

In the final analysis, New Zealand simply just found a way to win, avenging their defeat in the corresponding fixture last season, and calling on the reference points of 12 victories on the trot.

But don't denude the England display. One could argue that England, in defeat, put in their best performance of 2013, with both Billy's, Vunipola and Twlevetrees, truly coming of age as Test match players.

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 Mike Brown of England fails to stop Kieran Read of New Zealand going over to score a try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Chris Ashton of England tackles Kieran Read of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe)

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 Chris Ashton of England tackles Kieran Read of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the Match: With so many performances of quality it is very hard to single out an individual. For New Zealand, Nonu, McCaw and Salvea were compelling, and equally, England's heroes were led by Mike Brown, Billy Vunipola and Courtney Lawes. But for 70 minutes, one man was at the epicentre of everything good about All Black Rugby, and our award goes to Kiwi number eight Kieran Read.

Moment of the Match: With so much great rugby on display, it's hard to single one moment out. Read's offload in the opening minutes was delightful, but great sides find a way to win in adversity, and Ma'a Nonu's offload and pass around Courtney Lawes' huge tackle, to set Salvea free for the clinching score, takes this week's prize.

Match Report from Planet Rugby

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 Billy Twelvetrees of England and Richie McCaw of New Zealand compete for the ball during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Lee Dickson of England tackles Aaron Smith of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Aaron Cruden of New Zealand tackles Joel Tomkins of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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 Julian Savea of New Zealand breaks through the tackle from Mike Brown of England to score his team'sthird try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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All Blacks maintain perfect record

By Gregor Paul at Twickenham

Hard slog and a classy lineout got the All Blacks home this morning in London. Seriously hard slog as it happens as England were a tough nut to crack. These Poms are not bad.

Not quite the side they were last year, but good enough to be a contender for 70 minutes, until the All Blacks superior skills and fitness told.

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 Owen Farrell of England in action during the QBE Autumn International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Tom Shaw/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dan Carter of New Zealand tackles Billy Twelvetrees of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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Certainly the All Blacks will know they were in a game. Brutal wouldn't quite be the word for it. It was clean, just ferocious and chunks were taken out of everyone. This was test rugby all right. Miss a tackle and the game opened up. There wasn't even a split second to be had for the tackled player: the defending side was on the ball instantly and the battle at the breakdown was phenomenal. England probably won it, but not to the extent that they could deny the All Blacks the possession and pace of possession that they needed.

And by the final 10 minutes, the All Blacks had them just about under control.

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 Liam Messam of New Zealand pulls on the shirt of Dan Carter of New Zealand as they perform the Haka during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Courtney Lawes of England wins the ball during the QBE Autumn International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Tom Shaw/Getty Images Europe)

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They'd started to clear the bodies quicker and were making dominant tackles to leave England toiling a bit behind the gainline.

The All Blacks also managed to disrupt England's lineout and it was probably there that they won the game. At 22-20 down, England were searching for the killer blow. But the All Blacks started to win England's lineout ball. They started to damage the quality of England's possession from the touchline and the game changed in the final 20 minutes.

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 Joe Marler of England goes through the Nez Zealand defense during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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England push back the All Blacks in the scrum during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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It was apparent that New Zealand were the team with all the momentum and were the only one likely to score which they did when Julian Savea bashed over for his second after concerted and controlled build up.

It was a score every All Blacks was relieved to see - not only in the context of the game, but because it meant Dan Carter would have something at least to take from his 100th cap. He limped off after 25 minutes - a damaged calf looked to be the problem after he was cleaned up in a crunching tackle.

As he disappeared and England grew in confidence, memories of last year were hard to keep at bay. Waves of England runners came round the corner and recycled quick ball that left them running into space.

They backed their driving maul from lineouts and got plenty out of it and for the second quarter of the first half, the All Blacks were under as much pressure as they have been all year.

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  Courtney Lawes of England wins the line out ahead of Sam Whitelock of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Mike Brown of England tackles Owen Franks of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe)

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They couldn't get the ball. They couldn't get their counter-attacking game going and they were being hammered on the penalty count. It was mainly around the breakdown that they were being pinged - either refusing to release the tackled player or coming in from the side.

That's what pressure it does - it saps players, forces them to make mistakes in their desperation to stop the momentum and England are one of the great sides in world rugby at applying it. Kieran Read, in his urgency to turn the tide, was shown a yellow card. Had to go. There had been too many infringements and to be fair to England, they deserved something tangible for their dominance.

But two deadly strikes from the All Blacks in the first half and a third late in the game kept the All Blacks in track for a perfect calendar year

England 22 (J. Launchbury tries; O. Farrell 5 pens, con) 

New Zealand 30 (J. Savea (2), K. Read tries; D. Carter 2 cons; A. Cruden 3 pens, con)

The New Zealand Herald

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Dan Carter of New Zealand shakes hands with Richie McCaw of New Zealand (R) after receiving his 100th cap during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013 in London, England.

(November 15, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

24 Nov

Ireland v New Zealand

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