It was in early 2012 when the All Blacks set themselves the goal they achieved with a win over the Wallabies today.

Dan Carter's performance was the stuff of fairytales - and no one who had the privilege of being there is likely to forget it.

The victorious All Blacks will be welcomed home with a trio of parades this week.

He's been labelled the nicest man in rugby, but David Pocock has been caught on camera seemingly stomping on Richie McCaw.

Richie McCaw receives a perfect 10 for his performance in the Rugby World Cup final.

Willie Apiata is celebrating with the All Blacks after their second straight Rugby World Cup triumph.

WATCH: Sonny Bill WIlliams wanted to make the night more memorable for a young fan.

Coach says his side wanted to show the British public that the All Blacks are not the "big bad ogres" they're made out to be.

They claim referee punished the Wallabies repeatedly in the first half as New Zealand dominated possession.

"I still don't want it to end, to be honest. I'm still part of this team. I'm going to enjoy today."

Twitter erupted in ecstatic celebrations as the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup for the second time in a row.

That was what World Cup finals should always be like, writes Paul Lewis.

Herald rugby expert Wynne Gray answers your questions following the World Cup final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies.

He took the game as he saw fit and made sure he owned it.

Three things we learned from the All Blacks' second straight World Cup triumph.

An outrageously good performance from an outrageously good team - that was the right way for this All Black team to win this World Cup.

The All Blacks are still the World Cup champions. Richie McCaw has led his side to a second straight World Cup triumph.

If he was named New Zealander of the Year again this year, you can guarantee his reaction will be the same.

It is always a useful exercise to ask yourself this as a New Zealander: Would you think this was a great World Cup had the All Blacks been knocked out in the quarter-finals?

This morning's final featured four of the nominees for World Rugby Player of the Year but the identity of the All Blacks honoured raised some eyebrows.

This year, Black and Milner-Skudder were team-mates at the Hurricanes and it's not hard to imagine the two teaming up soon for the All Blacks.

No matter what happens tomorrow, the All Blacks have already won the social media World Cup says one commentator.

Selector Grant Fox has revealed the All Blacks have adopted a "who dares wins" theme to propel them to victory.

In Dan Carter, rugby had a model No 10 and a model role model. Will we ever see his like again?

What do the stats say? The All Blacks have one hand on the Webb Ellis Trophy already.

A British newspaper is reporting that All Blacks star Julian Savea is set to be offered the chance to follow Jarryd Hayne into the NFL.

Princes Harry and William and Duchess Kate are set to watch the World Cup final in the New Zealand box.

Has this been the best Rugby World Cup so far? Our rugby experts deliver their verdicts on a range of topics.