Wallabies return home defiant after World Cup loss

Australia’s World Cup Rugby team arrived back in Sydney deflated but determined to improve. The New Zealand All Blacks arrived jubilant. But the intent on both sides of the Tasman is the same.

Wallabies player David Pocock arrives at Sydney International Airport. Source: AAP

There’s no shame in losing the battle. For Australia’s Wallabies the war is all that counts. 

Captain Stephen Moore cut a defeated but defiant figure at the Sydney arrivals lounge after losing the World Cup final to New Zealand 34 points to 17 in London on Sunday.   

“It’ll take a while to get over that, but it’s good to be home and have a bit of time off now and go again,” Moore told SBS News.

A massive crowd welcomed the All Blacks home at Auckland’s Victoria Park, and having become the first team to retain the World Cup, retiring All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw told the crowd to enjoy the victory.

“We can smile for the next four years and say we’re world champions and that’s pretty cool,” he said.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and coach Steve Hansen hold the Rugby World Cup trophy at a parade and official welcome for the New Zealand All Black rugby team in Auckland. Source: AAP

Australia has set its sights on going one step further in four years’ time at the Japan World Cup.  

But Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said the retirement of several big-name All Blacks wouldn't make the task any easier.

“They’ve got so much depth over there. They’ll only improve,” he said.

Cheika was crowned the world’s best coach after the final, and the Australian Rugby Union said it would do everything in its power to keep him at the helm for the Japan World Cup, which means extending his existing two year contract.