New Zealand beats France 8 – 7 in the Finals of Rugby 2011 World Cup
New Zealand won the Rugby 2011 World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland beating France 8 – 7 in the Final Match on 21 October 2011.
New Zealand Captain Richie McCaw said “We had to dig deeper than ever before and it’s hard to get it to sink in, but I am so proud of every single of one them,”. “We couldn’t have been under more pressure at times but we stuck to our guns and got there in the end.”
France, exhausted and grim-faced to a man, pick up their runners-up medals. They were absolutely superb today, a wonderful performance.
New Zealand Coach Graham Henry says he’s “so proud to be a New Zealander standing here. There was a bit of turmoil up there [watching the game upstairs from behind the glass]. Stephen Donald? Superb!”
Man of the match is Thierry Dusautoir of France.
Bronze Medal Match: Australia won the match 21 – 18 against Wales
Australia won the match 21 – 18 against Wales to claim Bronze Medal in Rugby 2011 World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland on 21 October 2011.
Centre moves to fly half and shines after Wallabies lose Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale but stay on top with a thoughtful kicking game.
It was not the Wales best performances which they had shown earlier matches. From Australian point of view, they had registered their first win in 25 years at Eden Park.
Scores in Match by Wales: Tries: Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny; Con: Stephen Jones. Pens: Hook, Sephen Jones.
Scores in Match by Australia: Tries: Barnes, McAlman Con: O’Connor Pens: O’Connor (2), D/G: Barnes
Semi Final 2: New Zealand won the match 20 – 6 against Australia
New Zealand won the match 20 – 6 against Australia in the Second Semi Final of Rugby 2011 World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland on 16 October 2011.
“Credit to the All Blacks. They outplayed us and deserved to win,” Horwill said. “The All Blacks are a great side. When you miss tackles like we did, we hung in there very well but they ticked the scoreboard over in the second half.”
McCaw said that while it was a good performance, the focus now moved to the final next Sunday. “We won’t get too carried away, but I am very proud,” he said.
Single Try made in the match by Ma’a Nonu in the 6th minute of the match. Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand offered the only Yellow Card in the 76′ minute of the match.
Semi Final 1: France won the match 9 – 8 against Wales
France won the match 9 – 8 against Wales in the First Semi Final of Rugby 2011 World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland on 15 October 2011.
Wales coach Warren Gatland said: “He is not a dirty player so what’s the point in spoiling a semi-final by giving him a red card? I am absolutely gutted about it.
“But we showed great character and if we’d have slotted a goal we might have won the game. But we were down a man against world-class opposition and the fact we had a chance to win just shows the character of our players. I’m really proud of them.”