A look back at the most important 2015 events

New Zealand win Rugby World Cup 2015 beating Australia 34-17

It is time to take a look at the most important Rugby events in 2015. Rugby World Cup 2015 was by far the most important rugby event. The New Zealand national team made history by thrashing Australia 34-17 to win the eighth Rugby World Cup becoming the top rugby club in the world at Twickenham Stadium.

World Cup 2015 was the most successful tournament to date in RWC’s 28-year history. More than 96 percent of available tickets were sold - 2.4 million total. Hundreds of thousands of fans flew into London from all over the world for the thrilling event.

Australia mounted a fierce comeback after going behind early in the second half. However the reigning champions pulled ahead deep in the second half keeping the pressure on until final whistle blew.

Prince Harry presented the Webb Ellis trophy to Richie McCaw after the match. As the New Zealand captain lifted the trophy, fireworks were set off and McCaw popped open a bottle of champagne. The Kiwis further celebrated winning the World Cup again by doing their traditional Haka.

Veteran All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw was in magnificent form, leading his side to victory and glory against a tough Wallaby squad to be named the first team in rugby history ever to retain their title. After the game, McCaw said: “We played some damn good rugby there, we lost our momentum in the second half there but kept our composure.”

“I still don't want it to end. I'm still part of this team, I'm going to enjoy today, how can you have enough of this?,” said McCaw. “I don't think you ever have enough of it. If you get moments like this, why would you ever call it a day?”

'When you grow up, you want to be an All Black,” continued McCaw. “Every time I have done it, I always take a moment to realize how lucky you are to pull on the black jersey. You have to add to what has gone before you. That is the attitude I have.”

“Every time I play now I take a time during the week to think about it - after that feeling of excitement when you first get in you want to add to it, leave something of you behind.”

After the head-to-head battle, the world’s greatest fly-half, Dan Carter was named “Man of the Match” as he brought down the black curtain for the All Blacks winning their third rugby world cup. In a fitting finale to his international career, Carter kicked a whopping 19 points after waiting a long time for his chance to feature in a Rugby World Cup Final. Carter missed the 2011 final due to injury.

Carter took two brutal blows in the space of five minutes in the first half, both from Sekope Kepu who is 6ft 2in and weighs almost 20st. The first blow left Carter flat on his back, clutching his ribs. Referee, Nigel Owens, gave a penalty. Carter calmly slotted the penalty kick home and put New Zealand 6-3 up. He scored a second, then a third four minutes from half-time, followed by his conversion of Nehe Milner-Skudder’s fine try.

After Ma’a’s stunning individual try, Milner-Skudder's try gave New Zealand domination of the final match by the end of the first half. New Zealand's third try was scored by Beauden Barrett. In the second half Australia closed to four points, 21-17 with a try from David Pocock piling over. All Blacks winger Ben Smith was sent to the sin bin.

The reigning champions outclassed their opponents and dominated the final with powerful and flamboyant rugby. With only 10 minutes left to play, Carter’s brilliant drop goal from 40m out put the All Blacks lead up to seven. Carter followed with a penalty from just inside the Australian half. Carter has kicked eight drop goals in his 112 Tests. Although they put up a fierce fight, Australia failed to hold up against New Zealand’s power and they lost. On two previous occasions the Wallabies lifted the World Cup in Britain: Twickenham in 1991; Millennium Stadium in Cardiff 1999.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup was hosted by England from September 18 to October 31. However, England was dumped out of the competition at the pool stage. As a result of their embarrassing early exit, the England manager was dumped.

The quadrennial rugby world championship was contested with 2,477,805 fans including royals and celebs in attendance at 40 matches taking place around the United Kingdom.

Princes William and Harry watched the final from the Royal Box, with Prince Harry awarding New Zealand the Webb Ellis Cup trophy. Harry Wales is honorary president of the tournament organizing committee.

After the All Blacks accepted the Rugby World Cup trophy, the Kiwis performed the Haka again. The eighth Rugby World Cup had 20 teams competing in the tournament for the historic Webb Ellis Cup trophy.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 JAPAN

The next Rugby World Cup will be contested in Japan! Check back for Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan tickets! In the meantime, the very best, legal rugby union tickets are for sale at cheap prices at LiveRugbyTickets.co.uk including rugby Six Nations tickets for England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy.