TWICKENHAM, London -- New Zealand have secured their place in history with their 34-17 defeat of Australia in the Rugby World Cup final, holding off a Wallabies fightback to lift a second successive Webb Ellis Cup. Here's how the players rated:

NEW ZEALAND

Ben Smith - 7

Recovered from a couple of rare early errors to assert himself on the match as usual.

Nehe Milner-Skudder - 8

Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and scored the opening try.

Conrad Smith - 7

Was replaced at half-time after a solid first 40 minutes. Ran the hole that created Milner-Skudder's five-pointer.

Ma'a Nonu - 9

Was a constant threat in midfield throughout the night and scored a breakaway try following an offload from Sonny Bill Williams.

Julian Savea - 7

Didn't see as much ball as Milner-Skudder but still came looking for work in-field.

Dan Carter - 9

As brilliant as ever. Kicked shrewdly while his second-half drop goal was sublime and allowed the All Blacks to steady themselves. A deserved man-of-the-match.

Aaron Smith - 8

Played a part in Milner-Skudder's try while his service was as crisp as ever. Also used the box-kick to good effect.

Kieran Read - 7

A solid outing from the No.8 without any moments of brilliance. Made his tackles and ensured he was a nuisance on the Australian lineout ball.

Richie McCaw - 8.5

A quiet second half after a superb first stanza. The All Blacks skipper threatened at the breakdown and made 11 runs and 10 tackles.

Jerome Kaino - 7.5 

Hit hard in defence but lacked the impact of some of his teammates. Replaced midway through the second half.

Sam Whitelock - 8

Had a fine night at the lineout, ensuring the Aussies struggled on their own ball. Worked hard in both attack and defence.

Brodie Retallick - 8

Another brutal and energetic performance from the world's best lock. Didn't get through the same amount of work as Whitelock but what he did was to its usual quality.

Owen Franks - 6

Created havoc for the Aussies at scrum time but lacked impact around the paddock.

Dane Coles - 6.5

Didn't assert himself like he has at other stages during the tournament. Hit his targets at lineout time.

Joe Moody - 6

Solid at scrum time before he was replaced.

Replacements

Keven Mealamu - 6

Did nothing wrong after replacing Coles late on.

Ben Franks - 6

Enjoyed one excellent scrum which drew the penalty for Carter's long-range three-pointer.

Charlie Faumuina - 6

Made some important tackles after replacing Joe Moody.

Victor Vito - 5

Brought on with 10 minutes to go but had little opportunity to shine.

Sam Cane - 5

Came just a minute from the end as captain Richie McCaw received a standing ovation.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow - 6

Did a solid job after replacing Aaron Smith with around 10 to play.

Beauden Barrett - 7.5

Chimed into the backline with ease after coming on midway through the second half. Outsprinted Pocock to ice the victory with final five-pointer.

Sonny Bill Williams - 7.5

Made an immediate impact after replacing Conrad Smith at half-time. Produced the offload for Ma'a Nonu's try.

AUSTRALIA

Israel Folau - 7.5

His best game of the tournament. Was assured under the high ball and looked dangerous in attack despite being down on pace.

Adam Ashley-Cooper - 5

Had little to do out on the right wing and gave away a silly penalty in the first half.

Tevita Kuridrani - 6

Scored the try that brought the Wallabies back to within four points but otherwise struggled to break down the All Blacks' defensive wall.

Matt Giteau - 5

Left the field early in the first half with injury after having little impact. A sad end for what has been one of the year's best comeback stories.

Drew Mitchell - 5

Made a couple of surging runs but handling let him down on more than once occasion.

Bernard Foley - 6.5

Tried his best to ignite the Wallabies backs and provided the chase and pass for Tevita Kuridrani. Also kicked three from three.

Will Genia - 6

The kick for Kuridrani's try was the only highlight of an otherwise quiet game. Still no sign of his once-brilliant running game.

David Pocock - 6.5 

Worked as hard as ever but failed to have the breakdown effect he has throughout the tournament. Scored the rolling maul try they commenced the Wallabies' comeback.

Michael Hooper - 6.5

Was his usual energetic self and did manage a couple of turnovers.

Scott Fardy - 5.5

Wasn't able to impact the match in any form after a key early turnover. Replaced by Ben McCalman midway through the second half.

Rob Simmons - 6

Played 80 minutes after lock partner Kane Douglas was forced off with injury. Never stopped trying but had a difficult night at the lineout.

Kane Douglas - 5

Forced off with injury early on. The Wallabies missed his physicality in defence.

Sekope Kepu - 5

Was lucky to avoid being yellow-carded following a late and then a high-tackle on Dan Carter.

Stephen Moore - 6 Tried to lead from the front but struggled for impact.

Scott Sio - 5 Struggled at scrum time and in the loose. Probably not fit following injury against Scotland.

Replacements

Tatafu Polota-Nau - 6

Ran with purpose after replacing skipper Moore.

James Slipper - 5 Again struggled at scrum time after replacing Sio.

Greg Holmes - 5

Had no real impact after replacing Kepu. Still a fine effort for him to have worked his way back into the squad aftera seven-year absence.

Dean Mumm - 6

Brought on as a replacement early on following the injured Kane Douglas. Never stopped trying but again there was a lack of penetration to his carrying.

Ben McCalman - 5

Came on as a replacement for Scott Fardy but couldn't match his "finishing" efforts from earlier in the tournament.

Nick Phipps - 5

Service was satisfactory after replacing Will Genia but just like his fellow scrum-half: where has the running game gone?

Matt Toomua - 5

Brief appearance as replacement for Drew Mitchell.

Kurtley Beale - 7.5

Probably the Wallabies' best. Did his best to spark the Aussies and made a couple of key takes under the high ball.