Australia have defeated France to win the Rugby World Cup for the second time at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon. The Australians won a generally tense and tight game by 35 points to 12. They were worthy victors after they again managed to deny their opponents any tries and scored two themselves in the process.
Leading 12 – 6 at half-time due to the trusty boot of full-back Matt Burke and the consistent indiscipline of the French, Australia were always in control, but did not stamp their authority on the match until the second half. In the 65th minute player of the tournament, outside centre Tim Horan, set up Ben Tune who blasted French full-back Garbajosa out of the way before getting in at the corner. That set the Australians on their way and the French could not break their superior defence. Owen Finnegan bundled over for a second try late in the half but at that stage it was beyond the French.
John Eales accepted the trophy on behalf of his team from Her Majesty, the Queen of England. A great victory for the Australians and the Northern Hemisphere must wait another four years to see if they can get a name on the trophy.
Access the full match report on our Rugby World Cup site.
