All Blacks survive scare to take Cup

By Hafiz MARIKAR

RUGBY: The All Blacks paid tribute to their adoring public after riding a wave of popular support to victory in the RWC 2011 final last Sunday night. Richie McCaw and his team were roared on by a black and white army who formed the bulk of the Eden Park crowd of 61,079.Their role in helping the team lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time in 24 years was acknowledged by coach Graham Henry and his players.

"The people have been outstanding in support of this team and of this Rugby World Cup," Henry said. "I'm so proud to be a New Zealander standing here."

The All Blacks were lifted by the nationwide support throughout the tournament and replacement scrum half Andy Ellis marvelled at the fans' devotion to the cause.

Nationwide celebrations

New Zealand ended 24 years of misery when they edged France 8-7 to win the Rugby World Cup on home soil for a second time here on October 23. The All Blacks, who had also won the inaugural 1987 tournament, beating the French in that final too, were made to work hard at Eden Park by a 'Les Bleus' team that poured scorn on the view of many pundits that they were the worst side to have ever made a World Cup final. Captain McCaw said the 8-7 victory over France was sweet for players, management and supporters alike. "It was 30 guys and the management and everyone played their part, and it's hard to describe," he said. "I didn't realize how intense it would be," he said.

"The team bus was going 10 km an hour down the main stretch (on the way to the stadium) because so many people were on the street." "But around New Zealand people in the streets have supported us so much and it's great that we could repay them." The All Blacks will now take their celebrations around New Zealand.

Following a victory parade in Auckland on Monday, they went to Christchurch on Tuesday for another procession. On Wednesday the players took the Webb Ellis Cup to Wellington. It promises to be quite a week.

Veteran prop Tony Woodcock scored the All Blacks' sole try, with replacement fly-half Stephen Donald hitting a second-half penalty as first-choice kicker Piri Weepu let eight points go begging.

France, guilty of playing too much in their own half, hit back with a try from inspirational captain Thierry Dusautoir converted by Francois Trinh-Duc, but it was not enough against a New Zealand side that offered up a tough-as-teak defense.

An enthralling, hard-hitting contest ironically saw both sides lose their playmakers to injury, France's Morgan Parra suffering a nasty blow to the face and the All Blacks' Aaron Cruden turning his knee.

Weepu failed with his opening penalty kick after six frantic minutes with both sides keeping ball in hand, a lot of bluster and side-to-side play not amounting to anything remotely threatening as defenses held firm.