New Zealand have successfully defended the Rugby World Cup title with a 34-17 win over Australia in England this morning.

Nehe-Milner Skudder scored the only try of the first half to give the All Blacks a 16-3 lead at the break.

The game opened up in the second half with Ma’a Nonu’s try extending the lead to 21-3.

A yellow card to New Zealand fullback Ben Smith saw the Wallabies come back with two tries to David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani closing the gap to 21-17.

Beauden Barrett’s try in the 79th minute assured the All Blacks become the first team to win back to back World Cup titles.

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter who scored 19 points from his boots was the man of the match.

This was New Zealand’s third victory at the World Cup.