Kearney praises Kiwis

Coach praises pressure rugby from victorious Kiwis

Last updated: 22nd November 2008

Kearney praises Kiwis

Cayless: Kiwi glory

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New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney praised a 'wonderful effort' from his troops as they shocked Australia to win the World Cup final.

The Kiwis triumphed 34-20 in Brisbane against huge favourites Australia to win the World Cup for the first time, and end 33 years of domination by the Kangaroos.

After the Aussies blew a 10-0 lead, Kearney said that the immense pressure the Kiwis exerted troubled the host nation in the final.

"It was a wonderful effort tonight, we put them in a place they're not used to," said Kearney.

"It was just a matter of keeping them in an arm wrestle and the first 15 minutes of the second half were very important.

"I'm just overwhelmed."

Pressure

New Zealand managed to recover from losing 30-6 against the Aussies earlier in the tournament, applying much more pressure on Ricky Stewart's side this time around.

Captain Nathan Cayless lifted the trophy at the Suncorp Stadium, and he said that they knew they could run the reigning champions close despite the first defeat.

"I just want to thank the boys who've been outstanding," said Cayless. "They took their opportunity and it's just unbelievable.

"We kept talking to ourselves and working hard.

"We knew we could play a lot better than in the first game and we really deserved this, we worked hard for it."