New Zealand

Israel Dagg 6

His kicking was more of a threat than his running and he was pulled every which way in defence.

Cory Jane 5

Had more to do in defence than attack – saved more than once by his back-rowers.

Conrad Smith 6

Missed an early tackle, which he immediately made up for by flattening Parra. Stretched overall.

Ma'a Nonu 7

Made little headway with France tackling low. Defensively excellent.

Richard Kahui 6

It was not a night for the New Zealand back three, but he produced their best run of the second half.

Aaron Cruden 5

Became the third New Zealand outside-half to limp out of the tournament.

Piri Weepu 5

Poor goal-kicking did not blight his game initially, but as soon as he kicked a restart directly into touch he was hauled off.

Tony Woodcock 6

Scored a try off the training ground but was under pressure up front and fortunate not to concede a penalty near the end.

Keven Mealamu 6

Lineout throwing was wonky and he popped out of a few scrums – found redemption in the loose.

Owen Franks 6

Fortunate to get away with early indiscretions at a time when only France were penalised, but he stopped the All Blacks' scrum from falling part.

Brad Thorn 6

Had few opportunities to make busts with ball in hand and was warned more than once about his discipline.

Sam Whitelock 6

New Zealand's best lineout forward – got away with numerous blocks as France chased kicks.

Jerome Kaino 6

Touted before the game as the world player of the year but he was eclipsed by his opposite number.

Richie McCaw 6

Hard to begrudge his getting hold of the Webb Ellis Cup, but he got away with a blatant penalty offence within range four minutes from the end.

Kieran Read 5

Not as forceful as he was earlier in the year – perhaps surprised by the ferocity of France's tackling, he was knocked backwards more than once.

Replacements

Stephen Donald for Cruden, 34

Andrew Hore for Mealamu, 49

Ali Williams for Whitelock, 49

Andrew Ellis for Weepu, 50

Sonny Bill Williams for Nonu, 76

(Ben Franks and Adam Thomson were not used)

France

Maxime Médard 6

Hesitant at times in attack, when France were going through the phases, it was almost as if he had forgotten what it felt like to receive a pass.

Vincent Clerc 6

Limped off five minutes into the second half, almost at the moment when his side became a threat with ball in hand.

Aurélien Rougerie 7

Still does not appear a natural centre, but left his mark on Conrad Smith and created openings while hitting hard.

Maxime Mermoz 6

Failed to make any impression on Nonu and while he could spot a gap he did not have the pace to get through it.

Alexis Palisson 6

His best moment was foiled by McCaw along the touchline – elusive but not quite quick enough.

Morgan Parra 5

Did his side a favour by getting two bangs on the head early on, the first courtesy of McCaw's knee, and departing.

Dimitri Yachvili 7

It will be his last World Cup, but he made a dignified farewell, cajoling his forwards and prompting his backs in another clever display.

Jean-Baptiste Poux 8

Unfortunate that his early hold on Franks was not rewarded by the referee; superb in the loose handling and tackling.

William Servat 7

Looked to have made a hash of France's best move before being saved by his captain. A powerhouse of a forward, foraging, burrowing and spoiling.

Nicolas Mas 8

Ousted Franks as the best tighthead in the tournament. Gave Woodcock grief up front, sold dummies and tackled with meaning.

Pascal Papé 7

Far more purposeful than he had been against Wales, helping France gain supremacy at the breakdown with his clear-outs.

Lionel Nallet 7

Another veteran who looked 10 years younger. A lineout banker who was always looking for the ball.

Thierry Dusautoir 9.5

Has there been a better performance by a player on the losing side in the final? His hits could be heard above the noise of the crowd and he outfought McCaw – there is no higher tribute.

Julien Bonnaire 7

The quietest member of an exceptional back row, used as a link man for the first time in the knockout stage rather than a lineout option as France widened their approach.

Imanol Harinordoquy 9

His third World Cup – France's player of the tournament. Won eight lineouts, forced turnovers, tackled everything in black, handled like a back. A lion.

Replacements

François Trinh-Duc for Parra, 22

Damien Traille for Clerc, 45

Dimitri Szarzewski for Servat, 65

Fabien Barcella for Poux, 65

Julien Pierre for Pape, 69

Jean-Marc Doussain for Yachvili ,76

(Fulgence Ouedraogo was not used)