Craig won't forget this World Cup

Rotorua's Craig Elliott at Twickenham for the Rugby World Cup final.

Rotorua locals were in raptures yesterday after the All Blacks' convincing win in the final of the Rugby World Cup - none more so than hairdresser Craig Elliott who was at Twickenham for the final.

Mr Elliott's reaction to the win mirrored comments made to the Rotorua Daily Post by other notable locals including Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick and MP Todd McClay.

To be at Twickenham to witness history was just amazing.

Craig Elliott

"The way Dan Carter took control when the match was getting exciting will never be forgotten. I was looking down the barrel of his 50-plus metre shot at goal and watched Beauden Barrett score in front of us," said Mr Elliott.

Mrs Chadwick said the result was amazing.

"Just sublime. We'll be talking about it for a long time. I loved the humility they showed at the end and watching Dan Carter go out on a high," she said.

"It was a very exciting game especially for a final. Sonny Bill's gesture giving away his medal was a beautiful moment and I thought the relationship between the Aussies and us was marvellous.

Mr McClay was in Rarotonga on a trade mission for the final and unfortunately missed watching the second half.

"It was a brilliant result. I watched the first part of the game at a local's home but had to leave and catch my plane at half time."