Congratulations NZ

[barbarian]

Well since we have a 'Congratulations France' thread I thought this seemed logical.

Great effort by the ABs today and they are deserving winners. Playing their 4th string 5/8 they came through a tough final and showed courage and grit til the end.

They have been the best side in world rugby for the past four years, and easily the best side in the tournament. Well done lads.

MR, ACT Crusader, Dan54, Grubster, and all the Kiwis out there- enjoy the victory!!

 

[Swat]

They have been the best side in world rugby for the past four years, and easily the best side in the tournament. Well done lads.

MR, ACT Crusader, Dan54, Grubster, and all the Kiwis out there- enjoy the victory!!

It's consistency that has proved them to be truly champions. Not the winning of this world cup

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Congrats, but I've now got to find a new Avatar.

I suspect that relief will be the emotion felt by the players more than jubilation. The poor buggers have had the hopes of the entire nation on them for the last 4 years. For many of them, anything less than comprehensive victory is seen as a complete failure. That is pressure.

 

[pete88]

Was I the only one that compulsively yelled "HANDS OFF, BLACK SEVEN!!" when he lifted the trophy?

In all seriousness, well done NZ, too good for the rest of the world at home by about a lightyear, deserved winners. I would have laughed if France had won, mostly because the idea of them (or anyone else) being World Champions other than you guys is a farcical.

 

[the plastic paddy]

Congratulations NZ, but my word you got close to bottling it again. Enjoyed the 5 mins of pick and go at the end!?! But seriously, simply the best team in the world and quite a way ahead of the rest for me. Congratulations on an excellent RWC BTW only shame for me was getting individuals to sing the anthems tonight rather than stick with the choirs who have been my highlight apart from the rugby. Any Kiwi posters know who to contact about the choirs to register my appreciation?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Good spot on the Choirs, Paddy.

Choirs and Marching Bands for me any day.

There was some drama with them not getting free seats at some of the games IIRC. Shame on you RWC ltd.

Anyhow, probably best to send a "to whom it may concern" letter to the NZRU via their website.

 

[Bon]

The choirs are hopefully out there celebrating, I too thought they added a lot to the tournament. We scraped home but will rejoice in the win,France really took it to us and the game was anybodys until the final whistle.
You could contact Martin Snedden at RWC NZ regarding the choirs.

 

[Richo]

Indeed, indeed. Fantastic rugby team and easily the best of recent years. Soak it up, lads!

Particularly happy for McCaw. He's a devilish bastard but a wonderful player and gentleman of the game. Deserves to be world champ.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Based on the last 4 years the All Blacks are extremely deserving winners. Tonight I didn't think they deserved to win a chook raffle though. 24 more years... 24 more years...

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Based on the last 4 years the All Blacks are extremely deserving winners. Tonight I didn't think they deserved to win a chook raffle though. ...

On your logic, the French should have caught the bus home after pool play. Also there is a strong case that could be argued that the Wobs didn't deserve to make the SF.

It is winner take all, and there are no bonus points for winning by 4 tries or more than 7 points in knockout footy. There is no Miss Congeniality award for the team that plays the prettiest rugby. Winning ugly still gets your name on the trophy.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Thanks Barbarian. Enjoying it immensely. But in my old age I must admit that I am really over the moon by the game itself. It was high pressure and the ABs simply didn't let that get the better of them.

It was a huge effort by the ABs. McCaw and Read looked like they were going to collapse after the game. It was great to watch as an AB fan.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Also there is a strong case that could be argued that the Wobs didn't deserve to make the SF.

Do not disagree with that one bit.

 

[Cutter]

Well done ABs. I was cheering you.

There are some truly magnificent rugby men in that AB squad and a World Cup winners medal is a worthy addition to their cabinet. Respect.

 

[FANATIC]

Congrats.

Thank christ, hey bro.

 

[fatprop]

Great win, well deserved

 

[Bullrush]

Cheers boys. It was a one frikkin nerve racking 40-odd minutes there but we couldn't be happier!

I gotta say.....I'm looking forward to 4yrs of not having to listen to our talk about how the ABs choke!!!

 

[matty_k]

Is talking about how close you came to choking ok? :fishing

 

[Bullrush]

Is talking about how close you came to choking ok? :fishing

Lol......yes

 

[WhoDaresWin]

Truth be told, I was nearly shitting my pants during the 2nd half. Memories from 1999 & 2007 came rushing back as the game had eerily the same playbook. We played well in the first half and leading at halftime, only for France to come back strongly at the 2nd half.

As soon as Dusatoir scored, I thought, "Oh Noooooo!!! Not again."

France was just awesome but we held our nerves and grind out the win. Phew!!!

Finally glad to have gotten rid of that monkey now.


P.S: Guess, who's a World Cup winner now boys..... The Don himself, eat humble pie boys.

 

[Nooj]

Congratulations to France, that was a brave performance. I wouldn't have had it any other way to be honest, two teams desperate to win and giving their all. Much better than the romp which everyone expected, we didn't give the Frogs enough credit.