Rugby World Cup final: The haunted looks in New Zealand have vanished

Robert Kitson: The All Blacks look confident of banishing the ghosts of 2007 when they renew old rivalries with France at the weekend

Australia’s Deans: ‘Unwarranted’ abuse has made Quade Cooper stronger

Australia's coach, Robbie Deans, has said his Auckland-born outside-half Quade Cooper has improved because of the abuse he has received during the World Cup

Rugby World Cup final: will the light come on for France against All Blacks?

Paul Rees: Just because Les Bleus bungled their way to the final does not mean they'll act like extras in a Jacques Tati movie come Sunday

Rugby World Cup 2011: five things we’ve learned about the finalists

Eddie Butler: Too much smothering, contemptuous running, too many head wounds, more catching will mean less kicking and France will not beat New Zealand

Rugby World Cup 2011: Australia v New Zealand player ratings

Marks out of 10 for the players involved in New Zealand's Rugby World Cup semi-final victory over Australia

Rugby union could learn from league in avoiding hasty judgment

Shaun Edwards: Putting Sam Warburton on report could have been a better route for the Wales v France referee, Alain Rolland, had the option been available

Wales’s Sam Warburton was the wrong man, but these laws are necessary

Wales's Sam Warburton was unlucky, but these laws are in place for a reason

Rugby World Cup 2011: New Zealand close on second Webb Ellis triumph

New Zealand's excellent display against Australia offered compelling evidence that they are about to end their 24 years of hurt

Rugby World Cup 2011: IRB chief backs Alain Rolland on Wales red card

Paddy O'Brien, the IRB's referees manager, said Alain Rolland had been 'absolutely correct' to send off the Wales captain, Sam Warburton

Rugby World Cup 2011: All Blacks succeed in plot to stop David Pocock

The Australia flanker had 'a frustrating game' as New Zealand carried out an extremely effective plan to neutralise him at the breakdown

Rugby World Cup 2011: New Zealand smash Australia with brutal beauty

Graham Henry's All Blacks posted an ominous statement of intent in their semi-final and drew closer to ending 24 years since winning the Webb Ellis Cup