A FANTASTIC World Cup came to an end with an intriguing final which New Zealand fully deserved to win.

At one point, when Australia got back to within four points of their rivals, I thought they maybe had the momentum behind them to go in front.

But the drop goal Dan Carter got swayed the match back into New Zealand’s favour and it really was an unbelievable piece of skill from him.

As an Englishmen it’s hard to admit this, but I have to be honest and say it probably eclipsed Jonny Wilkinson’s effort in the 2003 final.

When Carter got the ball the drop goal didn’t seem to be on but he reacted instinctively to grab three more crucial points.

From then on New Zealand raced away with it really and there can be no denying the best team has ended up winning.

However, their route to the final was much easier than Australia’s and I think that probably played a part too.

France rolled over and died against the All Blacks and the only real test they had was probably when they took on South Africa, but I don’t think they’re really the best of teams at the moment either.

In contrast, Australia had to see off Wales and England in the pool stages alone so I think that could caught up with them a bit on Saturday.

POCOCK AND HOOPER SHONE BRIGHT

THIS has been the highest scoring World Cup ever but for me the stars of the tournament have been Australia’s back rowers David Pocock and Michael Hooper.

The break-down has been incredibly important in this competition and they have given an absolute masterclass in how it should be done.

They have both definitely added a few zeroes to their value.

In terms of teams, I think it’s been great to see the likes of Romania, Georgia and Japan really improving.

There’s been talk of them coming into the Six Nations and having the competition expanded, but I don’t quite think they’re good enough at this stage.

They are probably where Italy were eight or nine years ago.

TOURNAMENT DID NOT MISS ENGLAND

ENGLAND’S early elimination seems to have been completely forgotten about now the Premiership matches have started again.

At the time, I was worried England not making it out of their pool would ruin the competition but that wasn’t the case at all.

I was lucky enough to be at the final and the atmosphere was just fantastic.

It was a fitting way for the World Cup to come to an end.