OPINION: Newsport columnist Howard Salkow reflects on the Rugby World Cup final and New Zealand’s dominance despite its tiny population.

The Wallabies can look back on a meagre 10 minutes of glory in the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham, but sadly it was a humbled and out-classed Australian team that succumbed to a superior All Blacks XV who produced a masterclass to win 34-17.

This victory made them the first back-to-back winners of the Webb Ellis Trophy – they beat France 8-7 in the 2011 final – and the first country to win the trophy three times. They won the inaugural World Cup in 1987.

Trailing 21-3, All Blacks fullback Ben Smith was sin binned and in that 10-minute period, the Wallabies struck back scoring two converted tries reducing the deficit (21-17) to just four points. Unfazed and composed, the All Blacks struck back underlining why they are being labelled as one of the greatest teams in the modern era.

A Dan Carter drop goal and long-range penalty and then one more try sealed it and the celebrations began for this tiny country that has a population of just 4.5 million people.

The All Blacks were professional and clinical in everything they did. They reigned supreme in every facet of the game and many of their stars who are moving on, could not have wished for a better finale to their Test careers.

New Zealand’s dominance as rugby’s leader began prior to the 2011 World Cup and maintained this momentum while the rest of the rugby world could only look on in awe. Approaching this year’s World Cup, critics questioned whether ‘this ageing team’ could win a third trophy. How wrong they were.

Now there are renewed questions as the All Blacks bid farewell to many of their stars who are either retiring or heading to France to end their careers. Yet this small country will find the players to fill the gaps and continue to be a force in world rugby. It’s something they have always done; it’s simply a way of life.

For the Wallabies the World Cup was a huge disappointment. They have come a long way under coach Michael Cheika, but are still unable to overcome their trans-Tasman rivals. The All Blacks have the smarts and composure; they can dictate play to suit their tempo and are quick to respond to the opposition’s tactics. The Wallabies need to study the All Blacks manual.

Right now, there is significant disparity between the number one side in the world and number two. And as number two, the Wallabies have yet to figure out how to beat the All Blacks. The question is: for how many more years?