Pub fans drink in RWC joy

Hundreds packed into Hennessy's Irish Bar yesterday to watch the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Stephen Parker

There were scenes of pure, unadulterated joy in central Rotorua yesterday with the cheers of a massive crowd of rugby fans almost lifting the roof off Hennessy's Irish Bar.

There were jubilant scenes when the final whistle sounded with strangers hugging each other and high fives being landed all over the place.

Generous Kiwi fans consoled their Australian friends while rugby fans from all over the world complimented the All Blacks on their victory.

Nerves were settled by halftime with the All Blacks leading 16-3 but there were some nail-biting moments when the Australians scored twice in quick succession to reduce the gap to just four points.

Nervous supporters talked of a possible Australian comeback, but that did not last long.

The All Blacks pulled away soon after with Dan Carter taking control of the match with the final score an impressive 34-17, much to the delight of those gathered.

Worrying moment for All Black fans during the Rugby World Cup final. Photo/Stephen Parker

Belgian rugby fan Magali Biron said she had been watching the World Cup from home before heading to New Zealand for a holiday.

"We were in the right place to watch the match. We love rugby but don't get a lot of it at home. The All Blacks were the best team from the start and we loved being here to watch the final, the people were amazing," she said.

Bar manager Hilary Hennessy said the atmosphere was amazing and she was very pleased with the result.

"It's just awesome. The crowd was great and everyone enjoyed themselves, even the Australians."

She said fans had been well behaved for the entire World Cup.

"We were very well scrutinised by the police the whole time, but there was not as much as a glass broken the whole competition."