All conquering New Zealand go into next year’s Rugby World Cup as reigning champions after winning a heart-stopping final against France 8-7 on home soil – the setting for the next British & Irish Lions tour – three years ago.
The seventh staging of the tournament saw 20 teams contest 40 pool matches throughout the country, with the four quarter-final ties split between Auckland and Wellington.
The final, bronze final and both semi-finals were played at a revamped Eden Park in Auckland where major improvements had upgraded seating, pedestrian and transport access to the iconic rugby venue.
England, hosts of next year’s tournament, progressed through Pool B as winners, with Scotland finishing third – not enough to see them through but guaranteeing their place in the next World Cup.
In Pool C, Ireland beat Australia 15-6 to qualify in top spot, but lost their quarter-final to Wales – Pool D runners-up.
The British involvement was ended when Wales lost their semi-final to France, despite Mike Phillips running in the only try of the game.
And Wales, led by one of the player’s of the tournament in Jamie Roberts, were unable to clinch bronze, going down 21-18 to Australia.
New Zealand have lost only twice since lifting the Webb Ellis Cup and are the undisputed world No.1 side.
