New Zealand win World Cup final

• New Zealand are the first side to win back to back World Cups

• This is the All Blacks' first World Cup title outside of New Zealand, with their 1987 and 2011 victories both coming on home soil
• The side leading at half-time has now won all eight Rugby World Cup finals
• New Zealand's Ma’a Nonu, 33, became the oldest player to score a try in a Rugby World Cup final
• This was the highest scoring final in Rugby World Cup history, the tally of five tries is also a record.
• Dan Carter has scored 126 points at Twickenham, more than any other non-England player and the eighth of anyone

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Dan Carter has been reflecting on his personal World Cup redemption after missing the All Blacks' 2011 triumph through injury. The Kiwi points-machine scored 19 points as he waved a winning farewell to his international career. Talk about reading the script...

"This victory means a lot - it was a dark place four years ago and I've had to work extremely hard to be here today," he tells ITV.

"I'm proud of the boys and what they have achieved. Becoming the first team to retain the trophy shows how special this side is."

On his crucial drop goal: "I practiced a few in the back garden with my old man! I was pleased it went over, I was yelling at the ball to go over and it did. It gave us breathing space."

On his glittering international career: "This win is right up there with everything I've done in my career - it is the ultimate achievement. It has been an amazing career and to finish like this is hard to believe."

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While we bid farewells to the likes of McCaw, Carter and Nonu, there has been a new All Black star born at this World Cup.

Nehe Milner-Skudder only played 64 minutes of the final, but made 115 metres, 15 carries and four clean breaks - more than any other New Zealander.

Former England captain Will Carling sounds a tad excited. 

New Zealand number eight Kieran Read on ITV: "This is pretty surreal. Not just to win the World Cup once, but twice, it's a dream.

On All Blacks team-mates Dan Carter and Richie McCaw: "They're going to go down in history as the greats of this game. This victory is deserved for them."

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New Zealand line up - World Cup trophy front and centre - and perform a celebratory haka in front of their fans.

Less eye-rolling and a whole lot more smiling than in the pre-match version.

Julian Spence: It was a captivating final to an exhilarating tournament! Both teams gave it all they had! 

Mariaargh: Would have only been improved by Paul O'Connell lifting the Webb Ellis Cup! New Zealand worthy winners. Best World Cup ever

Lewis: No team came close to the All Blacks, congratulations! What a send off!

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Australia's David Pocock has had time to tweet while licking his wounds. 

Success tastes good. Star baker Paul Hollywood congratulates a star team. 

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Andrew, Richhill: The All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup for a number of reasons. The easiest to mention is because they have the best team with the best individual players with the best execution of skills under pressure. But another big reason is because of their meticulous preparation. Before their pool stage match vs Tonga the coaches deliberately exhausted the players in training to replicate playing under mental and physical fatigue. Incredible. 

Sir Clive Woodward knows what it takes to win a World Cup, though he only won it once. 

Quote Message: I don't doubt that the team will vote McCaw and Carter to clean the dressing room. They do it. They're both country boys and have no problem getting their hands dirty anyway.

I don't doubt that the team will vote McCaw and Carter to clean the dressing room. They do it. They're both country boys and have no problem getting their hands dirty anyway.

The All Blacks apparently take it upon themselves to clean up the dressing room personally after every game.

"We always want to make sure that the place we go to, we leave it in as good if not better shape than we arrived," said Sam Whitelock in May.

Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips sums it up succinctly. 

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Richie McCaw hoists the Rugby World Cup to the heavens and ticker-tape and pyro follow.

The All Blacks - like rugby teams all around the world - celebrate with a bit of sing-song.

Nothing to quench their post-tournament thirst just yet, but I'm sure one of the World Cup sponsors will have something chilling back in their dressing room.

Former internationals congratulate history-makers New Zealand on social media. 

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Prince Harry is doing his duty for Commonwealth relations - laughing, joking and congratulating each and every All Black player in person as they step up to press the flesh and collect the spoils.

Coach Steve Hansen, having placed a call back to the folks back home, has been spotted smiling. Happy days.

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Quote Message: They showed character and the character has been instilled in the spine of the team by Michael Cheika. Nobody in Australia 12 months ago would have thought they'd be in this position. They're in an upward cycle. They are very good and they will get better.

They showed character and the character has been instilled in the spine of the team by Michael Cheika. Nobody in Australia 12 months ago would have thought they'd be in this position. They're in an upward cycle. They are very good and they will get better.

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Australia head coach Michael Cheika: "We fought back bravely, but they're the world champions and they deserve to be. I always believed, even at the end - but it wasn't to be that way. I'm really proud of my lads and I really want to thank the Australian public, both here and in Australia, for getting behind rugby.

"New Zealand won fair and square and they've been the form team since the last World Cup. We wanted to challenge them tonight, and I think we did, but we just came up short."

Quote Message: I think the game has changed with this tournament. I think the breakdown has changed. You've got to play with the ball when you've got it. It will change the way other teams play because unless they do I don't think they'll compete with these two teams.

I think the game has changed with this tournament. I think the breakdown has changed. You've got to play with the ball when you've got it. It will change the way other teams play because unless they do I don't think they'll compete with these two teams.

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Time to dish out the precious metals.

First up are the Aussies to get their runners-up neckwear,

Prince Harry is on prize-giving duties, offering hearty slaps of condolence on green and gold shoulders.

Bernard Foley returns the favour, grabbing some suited regal bicep.

Praise for everyone from former Australia international Tim Horan. 

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Australia captain Stephen Moore: "It's all about New Zealand tonight - they thoroughly deserved to win. They have been the best team in the tournament and they played really well tonight. 

"There are no excuses from us, I'm proud of the effort we put in and the way we fought our way back into the match. Sometimes you just come up against a better team and that was the case tonight. 

"At half-time we talked about getting back into the game, we did that, but they showed their class at the end. Congratulations to New Zealand." 

Quote Message: The hard work that New Zealand had done in the first half, to get that much ahead, was invaluable. The way they soaked up all that Wallaby pressure... You could see Carter and McCaw talking to their team, they were just very cool and calm. Right calls, right positions.

The hard work that New Zealand had done in the first half, to get that much ahead, was invaluable. The way they soaked up all that Wallaby pressure... You could see Carter and McCaw talking to their team, they were just very cool and calm. Right calls, right positions.

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New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen: "I'm very proud of the boys. To be fair to the Australians, I thought they played their heart out too so a big shout out to them. It's a great way to finish. You couldn't script it any better. We'll celebrate at some stage I'm sure."

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Richie McCaw on BBC Radio 5 live: "We said four years ago that we get on the road again with this being the end goal, try and do something no-one else has done. I'm so proud of the guys. we lost a bit of momentum in the second half but we kept our composure and came back strong. 

"I wouldn't say anxious. I knew the momentum was against us but we've been in those situations before. it'a a matter of not panicking. I've done it many times over the years, but to do it in a World Cup final shows the caliber of me we've got."

Will he retire? "I still don't want it to end. I'm still part of this team, I'm going to enjoy today, how can you have enough of this? I don't think you ever have enough of it. If you get moments like this why would you ever call it a day." 

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Dan Carter on BBC Radio 5 live: "I'm pretty grateful to be where I am considering what happened four years ago. I'm so proud of the team. To win back-to-back World Cups is a dream come true. It's a pretty strong group of guys. We try to do things no other team has done before... it's a special feeling to be part of such a great team."

Ben Smith's yellow card almost saw the match slip out of the All Blacks' grasp, but they turned on their concentration and snuffed out the Aussies.

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New Zealand are the first country to win the World Cup three times. They are also the first to successfully defend the little gold fella after lifting it four years ago.

David Pocock and Richie McCaw chat, smile and shake hands. It is like watching two Easter Island statues come to life - mighty, mighty men.

It is quite probably the last time we see Richie McCaw in an All Black shirt. And Pocock will be fast entering that equation of best back rows of all time if he continues as he has played in this tournament.

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Quote Message: Dan Carter thoroughly deserves that man-of-the-match award. To see him in this sort of a moment, the accuracy and clinical precision of his kicking and general play, it's fantastic for him. But he'll be the first to say it's not about him, it's about the team.

Dan Carter thoroughly deserves that man-of-the-match award. To see him in this sort of a moment, the accuracy and clinical precision of his kicking and general play, it's fantastic for him. But he'll be the first to say it's not about him, it's about the team.

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Whoops and hollers from the New Zealand team as they are engulfed by their entourage on the sidelines.

This is their first World Cup triumph on foreign soil after wins at home in 1987 and 2011.

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Quote Message: That was the most incredible piece of defending from any team I've ever seen. So disciplined from the All Blacks, then - boom boom - try.

That was the most incredible piece of defending from any team I've ever seen. So disciplined from the All Blacks, then - boom boom - try.

Drew Mitchell - a hint of a gap - he darts. A half break but the cover tackle dislodges the ball.

New Zealand boot clear and the Aussies are back to halfway and having to build again...

Former England hooker Brian Moore has fallen in love... 

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Australia - as they must - are running from everywhere.

Relentless phases. They are up to the Kiwi 22m, Where is the hole?

Quote Message: Star quality, that's what you need to win this World Cup and New Zealand have a lot of it.

Star quality, that's what you need to win this World Cup and New Zealand have a lot of it.

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Hard, true, straight and... over.

The last drop of energy behind the ball sends it sneaking over the bar and the All Blacks are 10 clear.

Australia need to play a wildcard and quickly.

A bit of a to-do on the half-way line as the rejigged scrums make acquaintance with their opposition.

Greg Holmes sags to the floor and that is a penalty to the All Blacks. Is it kickable?

Dan Carter is going to give it a bash. He is a couple of metres inside the Aussie half...

Tawera Kerr-Barlow is on at scrum-half for the All Blacks.  

Quote Message: It was a beautiful strike from Dan Carter. Nothing on for the All Blacks going out right so he took the three points. Classy move.

It was a beautiful strike from Dan Carter. Nothing on for the All Blacks going out right so he took the three points. Classy move.

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As we told you earlier, New Zealand have never seen a half-time lead of 13 points or more overturned. You may remember, however, the All Blacks throwing away a 24-10 second-half advantage against France in the 1999 World Cup semi-final. But that Dan Carter drop goal has eased the pressure...

Quote Message: New Zealand got into the mode of keeping it among the forwards when Ben Smith was off and they've not been able to get out of that. They do seem pretty tired.

New Zealand got into the mode of keeping it among the forwards when Ben Smith was off and they've not been able to get out of that. They do seem pretty tired.

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Dan Carter hits only the eighth drop-goal of his international career - but, as in the semi-final against the Boks - it is a priceless one.

A lovely snapped effort out of nothing from 35m out.

All Blacks out to seven points clear

Former Australia dual-code international Lote Tuquiri will need to visit a home furnishing store tomorrow afternoon... 

New Zealand are up on the Aussie 22m. The return of Ben Smith has helped revive them.

Dan Carter chips ahead - looking for Sonny Bill Williams - but a scampering Kurtley Beale claims the mark.

Dan Carter is suddenly barking orders like a tank commander.

The All Black fly-half looks a little ruffled. The Aussies are far too close for comfort on the scoreboard.

Quote Message: These tactical kicks from Australia are finding space behind the All Blacks and they don't know how to deal with it. If this continues, we're in for a ferocious final 15 minutes.

These tactical kicks from Australia are finding space behind the All Blacks and they don't know how to deal with it. If this continues, we're in for a ferocious final 15 minutes.

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Australia have made 166 meters ball in hand in the last 15 minutes - 10 metres more than they made in the whole of the match leading up to that point.

Changes for both sides on the wings.

Nehe Milner-Skudder heads off the pitch, Beauden Barrett is into the fray.

Drew Mitchell departs for the Aussies and Matt Toomua is on.

Ben Smith is back on after his sin-bin and finds his side in a lot stickier situation from the one when he saw yellow.

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Plenty of "wowing" on social media after that Australia try. England number eight Nick Easter has his say...

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Quote Message: Fantastic vision from Bernard Foley. Foley saw there was acres of space behind the All Black line and that's a great little kick over the top. Australia right in this game.

Fantastic vision from Bernard Foley. Foley saw there was acres of space behind the All Black line and that's a great little kick over the top. Australia right in this game.

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Quote Message: The All Blacks keeping hold of the ball, waiting for that sin bin to end. But Australia are right in this game. What's been noticable in the second half is that their ball from the breakdown has been a lot quicker and cleaner. Australia, when they have possession, look dangerous.

The All Blacks keeping hold of the ball, waiting for that sin bin to end. But Australia are right in this game. What's been noticable in the second half is that their ball from the breakdown has been a lot quicker and cleaner. Australia, when they have possession, look dangerous.

I think the New Zealanders are going back to the clinical, tight game that suffocated the life out of the Springboks in the second half of the semi-final.

Plenty of runners close to the fringes of the breakdown as they play low-risk rugby and run down the clock on full-back Ben Smith's sin-binning.

The former Wales outside-half tweeted "game over" after Nonu's try, but has he now changed his mind? 

Ben Franks comes on for Joe Moody in the All Black front row.

The Aussie complete their front-row freshen-up as props James Slipper and Greg Holmes arrive off the pine.

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Australia are looking as keen as starved dingos suddenly.

They are buzzing around the depleted All Blacks with menace. Drew Mitchell swerves up into the All Black 22m.

Streetwise stuff from the All Blacks though targetting an under-manned breakdown and earning themselves a penalty and some respite.

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Changes for both teams in the front row.

Charlie Faumuina is on for the All Blacks while Tatafu Polota-Nau has replaced Aussie captain Stephen Moore at hooker.

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Quote Message: That's a fantastic response from the Wallabies. The All Blacks will feel they've given up the advantage. I don't think they'll go into their shells but they'll tighten up.

That's a fantastic response from the Wallabies. The All Blacks will feel they've given up the advantage. I don't think they'll go into their shells but they'll tighten up.

Quote Message: The trouble is, Ben Smith has pulled Drew Mitchell's leg up in the air, up above the horizontal. I think by Ben Smith's reaction and Richie McCaw's reaction, they understand that decision.

The trouble is, Ben Smith has pulled Drew Mitchell's leg up in the air, up above the horizontal. I think by Ben Smith's reaction and Richie McCaw's reaction, they understand that decision.

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Australia up to within five metres.

Ben Smith up-ends Drew Mitchell in the tackle. The Aussie's legs are well above the horizontal and, on review, the Kiwi is sent for a 10-minute sit-down. 

This game is opening up now. New Zealand shove the Aussies back at scrum-time and win the ball against the head. Nehe Milner-Skudder goes screaming down the wing.

Kurtley Beale intercepts though! Can he go the length? No. Inside Dan Carter he goes, but he is brought down.

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The All Blacks have made 365 metres to 156, 155 passes to 47, and eight offloads to none - there's no doubt the champions deserve their lead.  

That is more like it from the Aussies.

Kurtley Beale steps off his left foot and pops Drew Mitchell into a hole at 100mph as the winger comes in off whitewash like a rocket.

But the All Blacks are canny. They almost pinch the ball as an isolated Mitchell is hauled down on halfway.

Ref Owens awards the scrum to the Aussies.

Praise for Sonny Bill Williams from former England international Ugo Monye.

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Australia as cooked as the last shrimp on the barbie?

It looks that way. Mountains to climb and chasms to bridge if they are to pull this one back now.

Quote Message: This is a very tricky five minutes for Australia because New Zealand are going to enjoy this. They're going to enjoy playing in a World Cup final.

This is a very tricky five minutes for Australia because New Zealand are going to enjoy this. They're going to enjoy playing in a World Cup final.

Quote Message: Sonny Bill Williams - two touches of the ball and two amazing offloads in the same passage of play. Ma'a Nonu - what a try. Tremendous to watch.

Sonny Bill Williams - two touches of the ball and two amazing offloads in the same passage of play. Ma'a Nonu - what a try. Tremendous to watch.

We are back up and running.

Conrad Smith's switch off the pitch looks like it was tactical. He is sitting on the sidelines and apparently uninjured.

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Quote Message: I just wonder whether they think Conrad Smith is a little bit spent after that first half.

I just wonder whether they think Conrad Smith is a little bit spent after that first half.

News of a change in the New Zealand backline.

Sonny Bill Williams is coming on to bring his directness and offload ability to the All Blacks.

Conrad Smith gives way.

More possession, more territory, more points. New Zealand are running the show at Twickers.

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No team has ever come from behind at half-time to win a World Cup final.

That is a sample of seven matches. The Wallabies will be hoping to buck that trend.

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Quote Message: New Zealand have been in control of possession and territory. Whatever it takes, you've got to take out of your territory when playing New Zealand. If New Zealand get it right, this could be a rampage.

New Zealand have been in control of possession and territory. Whatever it takes, you've got to take out of your territory when playing New Zealand. If New Zealand get it right, this could be a rampage.

Kritt Normsaskul: Australia have hardly threatened the New Zealand try line and lost key players to injury. It's not looking good for the men in gold  

KN: The All Blacks' handling leading up to that try was just out of this world

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Milner-Skudder only made his All Black debut back in August.

It has been quite a good few months for the man.

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Quote Message: They've finally broken down that Australian defence. It's got to be said the All Blacks have benefited from a few decisions to be in the Australian end, but that's clinical finishing. Just the timing of the runs have been exemplary.

They've finally broken down that Australian defence. It's got to be said the All Blacks have benefited from a few decisions to be in the Australian end, but that's clinical finishing. Just the timing of the runs have been exemplary.

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Quote Message: Australia could have had 30 men on the pitch and they would not have stopped that try. I've not seen anything like it.

Australia could have had 30 men on the pitch and they would not have stopped that try. I've not seen anything like it.

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Maximilian Kinsky: I think I'd prefer watching Nigel Owens' season highlights rather than Chelsea's, even as a Chelsea fan.

Ed Dymott: Is the Rugby World Cup still going on? I thought the last game of the tournament was 10th Oct in Manchester?

Quote Message: The ball was quite clearly forward.

The ball was quite clearly forward.

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Dan Carter makes it three out of three. Spotless so far off the tee from the All Blacks main man.

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Kurtley Beale with a lovely aerial take, plucking the ball out the sky and spinning free of a couple of defenders.

Great cover from Ma'a Nonu to snuff out the spritely replacement.

All Blacks with the line-out. Safe and sound and a burst down the left wing. Ref Owens misses a forward pass from Milner-Skudder and awards a penalty the way of the All Blacks.

Jeers from the crowd as Dan Carter lines up his kick.

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The Australians have a line-out shaped problem.

Stephen Moore lobs it clean over the back and All Black scrum-half Aaron smith gratefully gobble sit up.

They need to tighten up there. And sharpish.

One for the spotter's guide.

Number eight Kieran Reed is back deep, fields a long kick and comes over all Zinzan Brooke in 1995, putting boot to ball.

A thumping up and under from the forward, but Australia have claimed it. And won a penalty. Which they kick into All Black turf.  

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A second change for Australia. Inside centre Matt Giteau has copped a heavy hit trying to tackle Kieran Read and is off with concussion.

Kurtley Beale is on in his place.

Dan Carter plonks it through the middle, kicking boot swinging true and fast through the ball.

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Sekope Kepu's arm strays north in a tackle on Dan Carter, effectively handing off the All Black fly-half, even though he is the tackler rather than tacklee.

Penalty New Zealand, 35m out and on a slight angle.

BBC Radio 5 live presenter Mark Pougatch reveals a tad too much... and, especially for you, we've included BBC 5 live Sport's magnificent response.   

The Australian line-out is spluttering. Stephen Moore fails to pick out Rob Simmons in the middle of the queue and the ball is back in Dan Carter's mitts.

The Australians are starting to dominate the breakdown. They are there first, in numbers, and are harder to shift than week-old chewing gum.

Scott Fardy is the latest to steal the ball from All Black hands, getting his talons on it as Julian Savea hits the deck.