Well done New Zealand. The country’s greatest national achievement since it threw the One Ring into the fires of Mordor.

The New Zealand front pages today:

What the the New Zealand papers are saying:

Scoreline straight out of ’50s mud.

“No one could accuse New Zealand of not going over the top as Rugby World Cup hosts. The country fired its best shots, and then some. In winning the Webb Ellis Cup final though, the All Blacks were understated. Even a touch lucky.” — The New Zealand Herald

From the verge of Les Miserables to the day of glory.

“The heading writ large across the front page of the Evening Post back in 1999 was “Buggeur”, but this time it was looking like being “Les Miserables” until our national prayers were answered and Graham Henry became the Grinch that stole the French Christmas.” — The Dominion Post

Outgoing, flag-loving nation emerges from World Cup.

“In an inner-city Auckland hotel last Saturday night a half-cut reveller on his “Stag” night was handed a microphone and instructed to sing “God Defend New Zealand” in a bar jammed full of blank faces. Egged on by his mates he nervously stepped forward, gripped the microphone and began bumbling through the opening lines. Then a funny thing happened.” — The Press

The final haka…

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN65LHLYS10[/youtube]

The internet:

We didn’t choke. But certainly gagged a little.

“And for the New Zealand All Blacks, it came down to a single point that separated their highly anticipated world championship from another ghastly four years in rugby wilderness.” — Kings of Commentary

All Blacks achieve crowning glory.

“It wasn’t pretty, but no one in New Zealand will be complaining. The job is done and the wait is over. New Zealand are officially the best team in the world – but only just.” — ESPN SCRUM

RWC Final 2011 – Initial thoughts.

“Many congratulations to the All Blacks – much deserved winners over the course of the tournament but boy did you ride your luck today.” — Total Flanker

Stephen Donald: From ugly duck to NZ’s darling.

“Piri who? The kick was barely over the goalposts before New Zealand forgot its former saviour and a new hero was born.” — Stuff.co.nz

One “All Blacks” Fan Stands Out In This Rugby World Cup Crowd Shot.

Via Deadspin:

A look at this year’s Rugby World Cup.

An infographic via On the Tryline: