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It is anything but the William Webb Ellis trophy, but New Zealand have claimed third spot at the Rugby World Cup by defeating Wales 40-17 in Tokyo. 

Respective coaches Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland will now step down after this appetizer for tomorrow's final, which saw the All Blacks run in six tries in a comfortable win over the Welsh.

Winger Ben Smith touched down twice, with prop Joe Moody, full-back Beauden Barrett, centre Ryan Crotty and fly-half Richie Mo'unga also on the mark.

Mo'unga kicked five conversions for New Zealand.

Full-back Hallam Amos and winger Josh Adams scored the tries for the Welsh. It was Adams seventh touchdown of the tournament.

Alun Wyn Jones came off the pitch to a standing ovation.

For Wales and Gatland, it's the end of an era. The British and Irish Lions coach guided them to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals.

Wales are still waiting for an elusive win over the All Blacks. They haven't lowered their colours since 1953.

The Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa kicks off at 9 am Irish time tomorrow.

The International Stadium in Yokohama will be the venue, seventeen years after Ronaldo's double gave Brazil a 2-0 win over Germany in the FIFA World Cup final at the same venue.

Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.

Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.


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