Rugby World Cup final: Magical Dan Carter fulfils destiny at last

After the frenzy of this test, and before the celebrations started properly, Dan Carter stood on the dais next to his old mate Ma'a Nonu, his teammates gradually joining them with their shiny, gold, World Cup winners' medals.

Carter, grinning, put both hands to his face, as if he couldn't quite believe he had achieved what most people will feel is his destiny - to not only play a part in a World Cup final victory, but to play a starring role. Nonu, standing next to him, gave him a hug. Two legends of the game sharing a moment after their final test.

This was a stunning early autumn afternoon at Twickenham for many reasons - and not only for the brilliant bright sunshine which greeted supporters and the teams on arrival for this match between near neighbours and the best of enemies.

There was a festive atmosphere but that ended with the first whistle - the All Blacks charging into the Australians from the kick-off as if they wanted to send a message that losing wasn't an option. The first half featured an almost constant attack from the defending champions, a momentum which peaked two minutes after halftime when Nonu scored.

In the end the match was defined by the way the All Blacks held off the Wallabies, who took advantage of Ben Smith's time in the sinbin to score through David Pocock, and, once Smith returned, Tevita Kuridrani.

And it was defined too by the performance of 33-year-old Carter, a man who has suffered more than his fair share of suffering at World Cups. At 21-17 up and the Wallabies closing in, Carter stepped up in his 112th and final test before he moves to Paris. This was his time to shine.

First, the drop kick from fully 40m, and then a penalty from halfway. Those six points were gold for the All Blacks - the Wallabies, forced to chase the game, eventually making the mistake which led to Beauden Barrett's try.

You could say it was Carter, who kicked six from seven - plus his dropped goal - who forced them into that position, just as you could say his performance against South Africa in the semifinal, which also included a dropped goal, got them into the final in the first place.

After the agony of four years ago, this performance was the stuff of fairytales and no one who had the privilege of being there is likely to forget it.

"I think we saw last week he really hit some peak form and I think he continued that tonight," said assistant coach Ian Foster. "He's been in the groove probably through most of this tournament. You could see him just building and building.

"When we needed him to step up and make some decisions and go out on a bit of a limb and have a crack at a drop kick again he did it - just like last week. He followed it up with a big ,long penalty which was at a pretty important stage as well. He should be pretty satisfied with what he has done. He has left this team in a pretty good space. He's guided it well and done himself proud."

Afterwards, after the huge contingent of All Blacks supporters could be heard singing Queen's We are the Champions during Australia's press conference, and Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger during the All Blacks' one, Carter reflected on what he had just achieved.

"It's ahead of anything else that I've achieved in the black jersey," he said. "It's such a special night. to be a part of such a special group and to achieve something that no one else has done - to, I guess, finish my career on such a high. It's a dream come true."

Asked about his feelings on the final whistle, he said: "I've been fighting those thoughts all week - those thoughts about the outcome whether we were going to win or whether we were going to lose ... I just kept pulling myself back to process and concentrate on the task at hand for the 80 minutes. But once that final whistle went - it was a great opportunity to release the emotions. I'm just so proud."

Carter, named the man of the match, led the All Blacks' defensive effort with 12 tackles. Just for fun he kicked the conversion for Barrett's try with his right foot. And now, finally, the celebrations can begin in earnest.

"I've no idea, to be honest," he said of his team's plans on how they will mark the occasion. "Obviously you have to enjoy moments like these. It's why we play the game.

There's a few guys departing so this team is never going to be together again. We have to make sure we enjoy the next couple of days ... I'm also looking forward to getting home and celebrating with friends, family and amazing supporters."

By Patrick McKendry In London