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The story of that brilliant Rugby World Cup final in 13 pictures

It was New Zealand’s day in Twickenham.

1. All eyes were on Richie McCaw as he bid to captain New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups…

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

2. But there was a sense that Michael Cheika and Michael Hooper could spoil the party

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

3. The haka was as intense as you’d expect

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

4. Dan Carter and Bernard Foley traded penalties before Carter kicked New Zealand into a 9-3 lead

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

5. A magnificent inside pass from Conrad Smith helped to create the game’s opening try, finished by Nehe Milner-Skudder

Andrew Matthews Andrew Matthews

6. And when Ma’a Nonu raced away early in the second half to put New Zealand 21-3 ahead, the final looked to be done and dusted

Tim Ireland Tim Ireland

7. But Ben Smith was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Drew Mitchell

Andrew Matthews Andrew Matthews

8. And while he was in the bin, Australia launched a brilliant comeback with two tries, first through David Pocock…

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

9. And then through Tevita Kuridrani to cut the gap to 21-17

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

10. With the game in the balance, Dan Carter stepped up and pinged a drop goal worthy of winning any final from 40+ metres

PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

11. Carter added another monster penalty to bring the Webb Ellis Cup within touching distance

Andrew Matthews Andrew Matthews

12. And Beauden Barrett iced the cake with a third try in the final moments

Britain Rugby WCup New Zealand Australia Tim Ireland Tim Ireland

13. Congratulations, New Zealand

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