A young All Blacks' fan at Eden Park.

All Black captain Richie McCaw warming up.

The cup is shown.

The French stand resolute before the All Blacks haka.

The French stand resolute before the All Blacks haka.

Imanol Harinordoquy of France is tackled by Ma'a Nonu and Richie McCaw of the All Blacks.

French centre Aurelien Rougerie tackled by All Black blindside flanker Jerome Kaino.

French left wing Alexis Palisson isn tackled by All Black captain Richie McCaw.

Tony Woodcock scores the opening try.

All Black prop Tony Woodcock celebrates with his teammates after scoring the first try of the match.

Tony Woodcock scores the opening try.

All Black left wing Richard Kahui hits the French defence.

All Black fullback Israel Dagg in action.

All Black second-five Ma'a Nonu is tackled by French centre Aurelien Rougerie.

All Black left wing Richard Kahui and French right wing Vincent Clerc collide in the air.

French replacement Francois Trinh-Duc is tackled by All Black halfback Piri Weepu.

Players from both sides watch a drop goal attempt.

Action during the final.

All Black Richie McCaw attempts to block a French kick.

All Black second-five Ma'a Nonu taking on the French defence.

All Black fullback Israel Dagg runs the ball upfield.

All Black replacement Stephen Donald in action.

The All Blacks.

All Black lock Brad Thorn after New Zealand's narrow win against France.

The All Blacks celebrate.

The All Blacks celebrate.

The All Blacks celebrate.

The All Blacks celebrate at Eden Park.

The All Blacks celebrate.

Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup.

The All Blacks celebrate.

All Black halfback Piri Weepu celebrates the All Blacks win with his child.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw holds the Webb Ellis Cup aloft.

All Black fullback Israel Dagg & Zac Guilford celebrate after the final whistle.

Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup during the Rugby World Cup final.

Richie McCaw of the All Blacks hugs Graham Henry, coach of the All Blacks.

Richie McCaw of the All Blacks performs a haka with his teammates as they celebrate.

Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup.

Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup.

After a year of tragedy; lives lost in Christchurch's devastating earthquakes and in the mine at Pike River, the All Blacks have given New Zealanders cause to celebrate.

If followed a nail-biting 80 minute game in which the French challenged the All Blacks at every opportunity, New Zealand's 8-7 victory was hard fought.

"Marvellous," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said shortly after the win.

1 of 15 ANDREW GORRIE/Fairfax Media Wellington's Courtney Place is swarmed with rugby fans after the All Blacks' victory. 2 of 15 ANDREW GORRIE/Fairfax Media Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 3 of 15 ANDREW GORRIE/Fairfax Media Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 4 of 15 GRAHAME COX/Sunday News Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 5 of 15 ANDREW GORRIE/Fairfax Media A spontaneous haka breaks out on Wellington's Courtney Place. 6 of 15 CAMERON BURNELL/Taranaki Daily News Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 7 of 15 SCOTT HAMMOND/The Marlborough Express Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 8 of 15 GRAHAME COX/Sunday News Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 9 of 15 WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax Media Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 10 of 15 SCOTT HAMMOND/The Marlborough Express Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 11 of 15 CAMERON BURNELL/Taranaki Daily News Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 12 of 15 CAMERON BURNELL/Taranaki Daily News Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 13 of 15 CAMERON BURNELL/Taranaki Daily News Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 14 of 15 SCOTT HAMMOND/The Marlborough Express Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France. 15 of 15 SCOTT HAMMOND/The Marlborough Express Fans react to the All Blacks victory over France.

"The people have been outstanding in support of this team, in support of this Rugby World Cup. I'm so proud to be a New Zealander standing here."

Henry admitted it had been "terrible" up in the coaches' box as they endured a tension-filled second half in which the French threw everything during another one of those famous World Cup upsets they specialise in.

"You just reflect over the last seven weeks and what the people have done throughout the country. It's quite outstanding," added Henry. "Richie and the boys just hanging in there throughout 80 minutes to win this thing, it's just superb."

1 of 47 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media The French celebrate their win. 2 of 47 Getty Images Fans at the France v England game. 3 of 47 Getty Images France fans pose prior to kickoff. 4 of 47 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media French replacement Julien Pierre celebrates victory. 5 of 47 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax NZ A French rugby fan wears a hat shaped like a rooster at the All Blacks v France match at Eden Park. 6 of 47 KEVIN STENT/Fairfax Media Tonga's Samiu Vahafolau in action. 7 of 47 Reuters Welsh captain Sam Worburton earned a red card after this tackle of French wing Vincent Clerc. 8 of 47 Getty Images Wing Sukanaivalu Hufanga of Tonga breaks through the challenge from Julien Bonnaire of France to score the opening try. 9 of 47 ROSS GIBLIN/Dominion Post Tonga's Taniela Moa tackles France's Maxime Medard. 10 of 47 CHRIS SKELTON/Dominion Post Tonga's Taniela Moa is tackled by France's Morgan Parra. 11 of 47 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media French halfback Dimitri Yachvili climbs over Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny for the high ball. 12 of 47 ROSS GIBLIN/Dominion Post A scrum. 13 of 47 MAARTEN HOLL/Fairfax Media Tonga's Taniela Moa in action. 14 of 47 ROSS GIBLIN/Dominion Post Tongan fans pregame. 15 of 47 KEVIN STENT/Fairfax Media French fans pregame. 16 of 47 Reuters New Zealand All Blacks captain Richie McCaw tackles France's Morgan Parra. 17 of 47 JOHN SELKIRK/Fairfax Media Welsh captain Sam Worburton earned a red card after this tackle of French wing Vincent Clerc. 18 of 47 Reuters New Zealand All Blacks players perform the Haka as France players watch. 19 of 47 Reuters France supporters cheer. 20 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Sunday News Fans enjoy the atmosphere in Auckland prior to the match between France and New Zealand. 21 of 47 ROSS GIBLIN/Dominion Post A general view of the Wellington Regional Stadium. 22 of 47 Getty Images Maxime Medard of France kicks the ball down field. 23 of 47 Reuters France's Damien Traille scores a try. 24 of 47 Reuters Canada's Aaron Carpenter tackles France's Fulgence Ouedraogo. 25 of 47 Reuters France's David Marty fends off Canada's Ander Monro. 26 of 47 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media All Black first-five Dan Carter cuts through the defence to set up Israel Dagg for a try. 27 of 47 Getty Images Wing Vincent Clerc of France dives over to score the opening try. 28 of 47 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Cedric Heymans of France in action. 29 of 47 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Imanol Harinordoquy of France in action. 30 of 47 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media French Francois Trinh-Duc in action. 31 of 47 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media French Fabrice Estebanez heads for the try line. 32 of 47 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media French left wing Maxime Medard takes the high with Japan second-five Ryan Nicholas looming. 33 of 47 Getty Images French fans kiss ahead of the Japan v France match in Auckland. 34 of 47 Getty Images The French rugby team were officially welcomed at Orakei Marae. 35 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Auckland Now The French RWC team is officially welcomed at Auckland International Airport. 36 of 47 GREETINGS: Fans greet the French team. 37 of 47 AUTOGRAPH: French Player Lionel Nallet signs autographs. 38 of 47 WELCOME:French player Maxime Mermoz arrives at The Spencer On Byron. 39 of 47 MICHAEL BRADLEY/Fairfax Media The French rugby team were officially welcomed at Orakei Marae. 40 of 47 MICHAEL BRADLEY/Fairfax Media The French rugby team were officially welcomed at Orakei Marae. 41 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Auckland Now The French team is officially welcomed at Auckland International Airport. 42 of 47 MICHAEL BRADLEY A fan watches as France captain Thierry Dusautoir leads the French rugby team onto the Orakei Maree during the officail welcome. 43 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Fairfax Media French supporters Ines Filsack and Camille Fabbri show their true colours as the French team arrives in Auckland. 44 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Auckland Now The French RWC team is officially welcomed at Auckland International Airport. 45 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Auckland Now The French RWC team is officially welcomed at Auckland International Airport. 46 of 47 GRAHAME COX/Fairfax Media French supporter Florence Ichter joins in the festivities while she waits for the French team to land. 47 of 47 Getty Images The French rugby team were officially welcomed at Orakei Marae.

Henry also had some special praise for fourth-choice No 10 Stephen Donald who played 46 minutes and kept his cool magnificently.

"Didn't he do well - superb.

"This is something we've dreamed of for a while. We can rest in peace now.

1 of 82 IAIN MCGREGOR/Fairfax Media All Black halfback Piri Weepu kicks a penalty. 2 of 82 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media Sonny Bill Williams in action. 3 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Ma'a Nonu scores the first try of the match for the All Blacks. 4 of 82 MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times All Black replacement Aaron Cruden in action. 5 of 82 IAIN MCGREGOR/Fairfax Media All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina in action. 6 of 82 MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times All Black no.8 Kieran Read scores. 7 of 82 Reuters New Zealand All Blacks' Piri Weepu attempts a penalty. 8 of 82 Getty Images Centre Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks breaks through the tackle from Phil MacKenzie of Canada to score his team's ninth try. 9 of 82 Jason Oxenham/FAIRFAX MEDIA Israel Dagg's rooster? duck? cobra? sign made after his try in the All Blacks' game against France remains open to interpretation. 10 of 82 Getty Images Ma'a Nonu of the All Blacks slides over to score the opening try of the match. 11 of 82 MAARTEN HOLL/Fairfax Media The All Blacks score a try. 12 of 82 Reuters New Zealand All Blacks' Israel Dagg reacts on his way to scoring a try. 13 of 82 Reuters New Zealand All Blacks' Israel Dagg celebrates with teammate Zac Guildford after scoring a try. 14 of 82 JOHN SELKIRK/Fairfax Media All Black first-five Aaron Cruden kicks a drop goal. 15 of 82 Reuters New Zealand All Blacks' Victor Vito scores a try. 16 of 82 ROSS GIBLIN/Fairfax Media The All Blacks perform the Haka prior to the game. 17 of 82 MAARTEN HOLL/Fairfax Media New Zealand All Blacks' Zac Guildford scores a try. 18 of 82 Getty Images The concern is there for all to see on the All Blacks faces and star playmaker Dan Carter limps off with a tournament-ending injury. 19 of 82 MARK TAYLOR/Fairfax Media New Zealand's Isreal Dagg passes to Ma'a Nonu as he is tackled by Quade Cooper of Australia. 20 of 82 Maarten Holl Israel Dagg arrives at Wellington Airport with the All Blacks. 21 of 82 Maarten Holl Ma'a Nonu arrives at Wellington Airport with the All Blacks. 22 of 82 IAIN MCGREGOR/Fairfax NZ Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Adam Thompson and Cory Jane arrive for a gym session at AUT Akoranga. 23 of 82 GETTY IMAGES All Black Victor Vito works out at the gym at AUT in Auckland ahead of the quarter final this weekend. 24 of 82 GETTY IMAGES Sonny Bill Williams works out at the AUT gym in Takapuna ahead of the All Blacks World Cup quarter final match against Argentina. 25 of 82 JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media All Black first-five Dan Carter cuts through the defence to set up Israel Dagg for a try. 26 of 82 Getty Images Graham Henry reacts to a question at an All Blacks press conference. 27 of 82 Getty Images Dan Carter signs a girl's leg. 28 of 82 Reuters A young All Blacks supporter waits for the game to start. 29 of 82 Getty Images Sonny Bill Williams signs a fan's shirt a fan day in Christchurch. 30 of 82 Getty Images Jimmy Cowan lets a fan sit on his knee. 31 of 82 Getty Images Jerome Kaino plays charades. 32 of 82 Getty Images Kieran Read does some lineout practice. 33 of 82 Getty Images Ma'a Nonu on the charge at All Blacks' training. 34 of 82 Getty Images Richie McCaw seemed to be moving freely at training, following his calf injury setback. 35 of 82 Getty Images Kieran Read tests out his troublesome ankle. 36 of 82 Getty Images Dan Carter runs the cutter at All Blacks training. 37 of 82 Getty Images Israel Dagg and Sonny Bill Williams get help from Piri Weepu during their warm-up. 38 of 82 Getty Images Portrait shot of Richie McCaw ahead of his historic 100th test against France. 39 of 82 MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times All Black replacement Sonny Bill Williams setting up a try. 40 of 82 MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times All Black replacement Sonny Bill Williams scores and celebrates with All Black second-five Ma'a Nonu. 41 of 82 Getty Images Andrew Hore of the All Blacks goes over to score a try. 42 of 82 MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times All Black Colin Slade scores. 43 of 82 Reuters Andy Ellis of the All Blacks goes over to score his try. 44 of 82 PETER DRURY/Waikato Times All Black right wing Cory Jane is wrapped up as Victor Vito leaps to his aid. 45 of 82 Getty Images Richard Kahui of the All Blacks goes over to score the second try. 46 of 82 Reuters All Black Andy Ellis passes the ball from the base of a scrum. 47 of 82 Getty Images The All Blacks perform the Haka. 48 of 82 Getty Images Graham Henry, coach of the All Blacks, looks on pregame. 49 of 82 Getty Images Ali Williams and Ma'a Nonu mucking around at a swimming pool. 50 of 82 Getty Images Cory Jane at a swimming pool in Hamilton. 51 of 82 Getty Images Zac Guildford jumps off a diving board. 52 of 82 Getty Images John Afoa jumps off a diving board in Hamilton. 53 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' Brad Thorn talks to some fans. 54 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' Piri Weepu signs some autographs. 55 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' winger Zac Guildford and Liam Messam hongi. 56 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams prepares to throw a ball. 57 of 82 Getty Images The All Blacks' front rowers relax in a swimming pool in Hamilton. 58 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' prop Ben Franks carries fellow prop John Afoa. 59 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' centre Sonny Bill Williams leaps high at practice. 60 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' flyhalf Dan Carter sits out training. 61 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' assistant coach Wayne Smith high fives fans. 62 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' star Dan Carter sits out training with a back strain. 63 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' flanker Adam Thompson takes a water break. 64 of 82 Getty Images The All Blacks players warm-up. 65 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' Cory Jane at practice with Zac Guildford. 66 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' Kieran Read sits out training with an ankle injury. 67 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' centre Sonny Bill Williams signs an autograph for a fan. 68 of 82 Getty Images All Blacks' centre Sonny Bill Williams and Isaia Toeava signs autographs. 69 of 82 PETER MEECHAM/Fairfax Media Sonny Bill Williams goes for the line during the All Blacks vs Tonga opening match. 70 of 82 Getty Images Richie McCaw and Piri Weepu lead the New Zealand haka. 71 of 82 JOHN SELKIRK/Auckland Now All Blacks Andy Ellis, Keven Mealamu and John Afoa were at Rebel Sport in Auckland today to meet the fans. 72 of 82 JOHN SELKIRK/Auckland Now All Blacks Andy Ellis at Rebel Sport in Auckland today chats with a happy fan. 73 of 82 JOHN SELKIRK/Auckland Now All Blacks Andy Ellis, Keven Mealamu and John Afoa were at Rebel Sport in Auckland today to meet the fans. 74 of 82 JOHN SELKIRK/Auckland Now All Black John Afoa meets with one rugby fan at Rebel Sport in Auckland. 75 of 82 JOHN SELKIRK/Auckland Now All Black Keven Mealamu, right, meets French tourist Alain Lapeyre, who gets some memorabilia signed. 76 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Richie McCaw and coach Graham Henry at Auckland's Aotea Square. 77 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Young and old came out to offer their support - including stunning Aarush Patel. 78 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Isaiah Toeava, Mils Muliaina and Ma'a Nonu don headwear at the All Blacks' official welcome. 79 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media Aucklanders come out to greet their rugby heroes. 80 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media A proud All Blacks squad in Auckland - are these the 2011 World Cup winners? 81 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media All Blacks captain Richie McCaw takes part in the traditional Maori welcome at Aotea Square. 82 of 82 LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media The key man - No 10 Dan Carter soaks up the Auckland atmosphere.

"I am [happy]... I've just got so much respect for what the boys have done over eight years. It's been outstanding."

All Black captain Ritchie McCaw said the country should be proud of this group of men. "I'm absolutely shagged...we had to dig as deep as we have ever dug before...[but] we got there in the end."

French captain Thierry Dusautoir said he was very proud of his boys. "It's a pity. We are disappointed. I am really disappointed."

1 of 20 Getty Images All Blacks' Cory Jane on his way to scoring against the French in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. 2 of 20 Getty Images All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams looks to pop a pass during the 2011 Rugby World Cup pool match against the French. 3 of 20 Getty Images French players react to their victory over the All Blacks in 2009. 4 of 20 Getty Images Players react following the All Blacks' last home loss to France in 2009. 5 of 20 Getty Images All Blacks do the haka ahead of their loss in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. 6 of 20 Getty Images Players react following Rugby World Cup 2007 quarterfinal. 7 of 20 Getty Images Dan Carter leaves field during the All Blacks loss in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. 8 of 20 Getty Images Clarke Dermody (L) and Richie McCaw of the All Blacks wear pink shirts for an Adidas photo shoot in Paris, France, 2006. 9 of 20 Getty Images Carlos Spencer leads teamates in the Haka prior to New Zealand's' 40-13 win over France in their Rugby World Cup 2003 third and fourth playoff match. 10 of 20 Getty Images Jonah Lomu removes French fullback Pepido Elhorga from the field of play, during the All Blacks 37 - 12 win over France, in 2001. 11 of 20 Getty Images The All Blacks celebrate their win over France at Stade de France. The All Blacks won the game 39 - 26 November, 2000. 12 of 20 Getty Images Jonah Lomu on his way to scoring in the 1999 Rugby World Cup semifinal. 13 of 20 Dave Rogers/ ALLSPORT Jonah Lomu of New Zealand passes the ball during the Rugby Union World Cup 1999 match against France played at Twickenham, in London. France won the match 43-31. 14 of 20 Ross Kinnaird /Allsport Philippe Bernat-Salles of France celebrates his try during the Semifinal match of the Rugby World Cup, 1999. 15 of 20 Getty Images France's Emile Ntamack slips past All Black Daryl Gibson in the test at Athletic Park, 1999. 16 of 20 AllsportUK Jonah Lomu at Parc des Princes in Paris, 1995. 17 of 20 Getty Images Philippe Sella of France is tackled during the Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand in 1987. New Zealand won the match 29-9. 18 of 20 JOHN SELKIRK The 1987 Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park. The All Blacks v France. Michael Jones attempts to charge down a kick with David Kirk on the right. 19 of 20 Getty Images David Kirk scores in the 1987 Rygby World Cup final. 20 of 20 JOHN SELKIRK The 1987 Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park. The All Blacks captain David Kirk realises the game is won.

More than 60,000 at Eden Park celebrated as New Zealand regained the Holy Grail of rugby, last claimed 8892 days ago.

It was a night for celebration as all the pain, all the angst, all the national soul searching of the intervening years poured out into a black-clad celebration as the All Blacks swept aside France, as they had in 1987.

It was a night for revenge, for the settling of scores with a side that had bundled New Zealand out of the Cup in 1999, then again in the 2007 quarterfinals, one of the darkest days in the history of the treasured black jersey.

All Blacks Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Zac Guildford were not born when New Zealand last won the Cup, and reserve Victor Vito was just three months old.

For McCaw, it was the ultimate prize at the end of a tournament in which he dragged his aching body through ruck after ruck, tackle after tackle, to finally lay to rest the misery of the quarterfinal loss in Cardiff four years ago.