
The All Blacks made history this year by becoming the first team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.
It was called the best and worst of World Cups of all time.
Hosts England were knocked out early and were left hanging their heads in embarrassment.
Japan was praised for the stunningly unexpected kick-start of an opening-weekend win over South Africa, and eventually teams from south of the equator filled all four semi-final places.
The All Blacks fended off Australia 34-17 at Twickenham in the gripping final that has been rated the tournament’s best.
Even though the final started at an inhospitable hour for fans in New Zealand, pubs stayed open to allow them to watch the game and celebrate the result.
Everyone from Prime Ministers to Hollywood A-listers to international pop stars were congratulating our boys in black on being world champions for another four years.
New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, said: “I am sure all of New Zealand will join me in congratulating them.
“New Zealand and Australia have a special relationship, so it was great to see our two sides square off for the first time in a Rugby World Cup final.“
Watch: Newsbeat’s Emily Patrick took the streets of Grey Lynn, Auckland, to ask the public’s opinion on the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup victory
Watch: The All Blacks’ trophy lift and celebrations – Rugby World Cup 2015
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