The All Blacks have defended their World Cup win of four years ago, becoming the first team to retain the trophy.
It was on the back of a dominant first half performance, with disciplined play and dominance in the lineout.
Dan Carter was outstanding, marshalling his team around the field, as he claimed man of the match honours.
The Wallabies made a late rally in the second half after Ben Smith was yellow-carded, and got to within four points.
But the All Blacks showed their class, pulling away with a Carter drop goal and then a try in the final few minutes.
New Zealand world champions once again.
Final score:
Australia 17
New Zealand 34
More:
>> All Blacks relentless in winning Rugby World Cup
>> Five talking points from the Rugby World Cup
>> The Roar‘s live blog of the final
>> The Roar‘s match report of the Rugby World Cup final
>> What legacy to the All Blacks leave?
Trans-Tasman foes the Wallabies and All Blacks meet in a Rugby World Cup final for the very first time. Who will win the William Webb Ellis trophy for a record third occasion? Join The Roar from 2:30am (AEDT) for all the action from Twickenham.
And then there were two. There is one game left in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the final, where the 2011 and 1987 winners meet the 1991 and 1999 winners.
New Zealand against Australia, there is a nice symmetry with those two Bledisloe rivals. They have been playing against each other for over 100 years and this will be one of their most anticipated clashes yet.
The All Blacks are the favourites, as they defend their title from 2011, and have lost just four games in the past four years. It’s an amazing record.
They have dominated against the Wallabies in recent times, the loss in Sydney this year the only defeat to the men in gold since Hong Kong 48 months ago.
New Zealand has a champion side – one many are calling the best ever. They will be determined to send those retiring from the international scene – such as Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Keven Mealamu – out as winners.
Facing them is a reborn Australian team. A year ago they were in disarray, with a coach sacked, a split team and terrible results. Michael Cheika has come in and changed all that. He has improved the scrum, enticed several players back in, and secured some great wins.
A shortened version of the Rugby Championship was claimed, with the victory over New Zealand at ANZ Stadium playing a large part, but the Bledisloe Cup was not won after the All Blacks smashed the Wallabies in the return fixture at Eden Park.
Still, Cheika’s charges have continued to grow and develop at this World Cup. They topped the ‘Group of Death’, were lucky to get past Scotland, and had a thorough examination against Argentina.
The All Blacks, in comparison, had a scare in their tournament opener against the Pumas, before breezing through their next three games. They were sensational in thrashing France and then ground out a win over South Africa. Their path to the final has not been as taxing.
The Wallabies have been given a boost with the return of prop Scott Sio. The Australian scrum wobbled against Argentina and Sio’s inclusion should help steady the ship. James Slipper drops back to the bench and Toby Smith is out of the 23-man squad.
The All Blacks remain the same, with Joe Moody starting in the front row and Wyatt Crockett ruled out.
These two teams play each other regularly, know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and what makes them tick.
The two best teams in the tournament and two nations who are often linked in sporting arenas. It all makes for a fascinating final,
Wallabies or All Blacks? Join The Roar from 2:30am (AEDT) for the Rugby World Cup final to find out.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
Darth Vadar
Guest
Thank GOD for the win.
DCNZ
Guest
May i just point out that all the NZ tries were scored by Hurricanes players - NMS, Nonu and Beaudy. This makes up for losing to the Highlanders in the S15 final! I thought the ABs were very clever in shifting the ball away from Pocock all night. Folau did nothing of note, he must be really sore.
Dopplerman
Guest
particularly pertinent when the same officiating gifted the wallabies a semi spot berth I wonder how Scotland would of faired.............and why wasn't Pocock red carded for stomping that ab players head
WQ
Guest
Commiserations to the Wallabies, they ran into a red hot All Black side and unfortunately suffered a couple of key injuries early that no doubt upset their game plan. To their credit they fought their way back into the contest and wrestled the momentum off the All Blacks and put themselves in a position where they could have won the game. To do that on a night when the All Blacks are up for it speaks volumes for this Wallaby Team. Congratulations to my beloved All Blacks, there can be no more questions, no more doubts, this is the greatest Rugby Team in history and it is captained by the greatest player to ever play the game. Their statistics will show this for a very long time to come!!
Bondy
Guest
Well done JD ...
Muzzo
Guest
Thanks, biltongbek, it was great for the AB's to retain Wiremu.
Muzzo
Guest
Oh Sammy!!!! ....... Did you use to cry over your milk, when you spilled it?
Muzzo
Guest
Thanks for the accolades, mate. As it turned out, it was an 80 minute game Chook. Cheika, has a great future, & I can see him being a big threat in future encounters, with us. Like first up, he beats us. I would say with his record, at the moment, he could possibly be the best coach you've had since McQueen. Mind you we do have, over dah.... ditch, some very capable young talent, ready to take that big step up. Next years Super Rugby, should be worth watching. Like your Tah's new recruit, he's been playing well too....... as of recently....... Zac Guildford. Just don't let him hang around any "tourist resorts". lol
Old Bugger
Guest
Commiserations to the WBs - a great game filled with excitement, happiness, anxiety and despair cos it does take two, to tango - and your presence tonight, made this match a truly remarkable occasion. I take my hat off to the WB side and all its fans because prior to the tournament kick-off, I was of the opinion that the WBs would struggle to make the finals let alone the GF. Congrats.... Congrats to the ABs with perhaps a gasp of FINALLY.....!! Finally a team has won back-to-back. Finally a team has won a third championship and finally, this particular team, have won off-shore. Can I say that when the final whistle blew, my whole extended family (our sons, our daughter-in-laws, mokopuna, nephews & nieces) who joined the wife and I to watch the game, all rose in unison to applaud the ABs....it was a moment that I will cherish for a long, long time. A remarkable tournament overall, great rugby, great results and an occasion enjoyed around the globe. To all those players either retiring or moving to greener pastures in both gold and black, my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to you all, in your future endeavours. Once again, cheers to Hansen and his coaching crew, Richie and his team....go and enjoy.
Dave
Guest
Is that score for your IQ?
Dave
Guest
Judas Priest , what a sore loser. Go and buy the Scots a beer, they should have been in the final.
Dave
Guest
Whaa Wha Whaaaaaaaa!
Phill
Guest
Comments being the worst Refereeing in the world cup ...
ethan
Guest
We didn't get the calls and we didn't get the luck, but despite this, the ABs were thouroughly deserved winners. It was a courageous effort from our lads and they can hold their heads up.
Phill
Guest
Out of 2 kiwi supporters I spoke to after the game both said the Ref marred the game?
wardad
Guest
Hmm wasnt there an article about putting the Bledisloe up for grabs ? In that light and considering the ABs beat all 3 SANZAR opponents at this cup they'll be wanting their Rugby Championship back thanks ! Cheers !
wardad
Guest
Sure they were Phil sure they were ......
wardad
Guest
pETER fITZSIMMONS RECKONED THE abS WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TILL 2035 sorry caps lock stuck.
wardad
Guest
Kearnsey is that you bro ?
Phill
Guest
The feeling is empty because of the help they had with the Ref ....