Path to the Rugby World Cup final

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Critical matches and moments that propelled the All Blacks to glory.

1 Ireland beats Australia

When the Irish defeated the Wallabies 15-6 on September 17, some saw this as a bad thing as it effectively threw the Tri-Nations teams together on the same side of the knockout. In reality though, it meant the All Blacks would have to face just one of their Sanzar rivals on the way to the title, rather than the predicted semi with South Africa and final against Australia.

2 The All Blacks destroy France

For state of mind more than anything, this was an important statement. France was a team that had given the All Blacks grief in past tournaments, but they were blown away in Richie McCaw's 100th test. It seemed obvious that with Dan Carter nearing his best, the All Blacks were playing the best rugby at the tournament...

3 Dan Carter goes down

... but then, quelle horreur! On the eve of their final pool match against Canada, Carter snapped an adductor tendon in his groin, ruling him out of the tournament. With McCaw hobbling on one foot, the pre-tournament worst-case scenario was unfolding. Over to you Colin.

4 Colin Slade breaks down

Slade had made a couple of unconvincing cameos, but there was a hope his confidence would increase with the more footy he played. That theory never played out, with Slade straining a muscle in his groin while making a clearing kick. Over to you Aaron Cruden.

5 First 10 minutes of the semifinal

The whole nation was a bundle of nerves, it seemed, except for the 15 blokes in black who strode on to Eden Park. Aided by a mistake from Public Enemy No 1 Quade Cooper and guided by an assured Cruden, the All Blacks tore into their work, laying the platform for a convincing victory. With an ordinary French team waiting in the final, it was hard to escape the feeling that the hard work had been done.