To describe the unexpected win as miraculous would be a gross understatement. The Warriors tackled to a standstill, something never seen before and it simply spells trouble for their next opponents. And, like the All Blacks, they have consistently had an unchanged line-up.

It was no doubt their greatest triumph since entering the competition back in 1995 and has been a long time coming for true supporters who could be forgiven for the outpouring of emotion at the stadium. This was the moment we’ve been waiting for so long; it is exciting times indeed and we as supporters really deserve this.

Led by the likes of another Kiwi legend Stacey Jones, Ali Lauiti’iti, Clinton Toopi, PJ Marsh, Richard Villasanti, Kevin Campion, Ivan Cleary, Sione Faumuina and Frances Meli, the Warriors made the Grand Final in 2002 after taking out the Minor Premiership - which was their finest achievement in their short history. Ironically, they now come face to face again this Friday night with the same opponents from that match, the Roosters, with former captain Brad Fittler now coaching them.

In a parallel twist, former Warriors goalkicker Cleary is also at the helm for the hosts. The huge experience of Wiki and captain Steve Price will once again carry the team along with seasoned players Brent Tate, Lance Hohaia, Nathan Fien, Michael Witt, Logan Swann and Michael Luck, complemented by consistent performers and strong contributors Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Ian Henderson, Sam Rapira and Evarn Tuimavave.

That is pretty much the core of this team and if they could overcome another major hurdle this weekend, they get one of the leading NRL line-breakers back from suspension for their next clash - the brilliant but volatile at times, Wade McKinnon. Good luck, boys!

As for the All Blacks, coach Graham Henry silenced his critics with a commanding performance from his current squad in retaining the dual trophies after thwarting the most toughest of opponents anywhere, the Springboks and the Wallabies.

To bounce back from twin losses earlier in the competition speaks volumes of the vastly-improved mental toughness of this All Blacks team. With so many quality players having ventured overseas to ply their trade post-All Blacks’ career, they would have been envious but extremely proud of their ‘brothers-in-arms’. It is a tribute to Henry and his coaching staff for providing the key ingredients of their latest success.

Once again, the usual suspects Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter delivered and rose to the occasion like only the best can do. Therefore it is a tricky task to nominate either for man-of-the-match honours. Maybe Carter – but only just. They were like the old NBA Chicago Bulls’ dangerous twosome Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen working in tandem, or the NFL legendary combination of quarterback Joe Montana and wide receiver Jerry Rice. Or perhaps Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal playing as doubles partners.

That’s how awesome McCaw and Carter are. But their team-mates were certainly not far behind and having had the same starting 15 for the third time, this suddenly emerged as the telling factor in taking the cups home.

Jerome Kaino brushed off an early error to produce his best game yet, No.8 Rodney So’oialo chiming in with his vast experience to play a big part in defence around the rucks and during the heavy collisions. But his penchant for hogging the ball when racing  clear is mystifying and he bombed a chance when Mils Muliaina loomed in support only to be denied a definite five-pointer.

Mils himself had another great game and was well supported by Conrad Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Richard Kahui. We are fortunate to have gifted halfbacks where Jimmy Cowan, followed by Piri Weepu, did some excellent work throughout their given timeframes.

Henry masterminded his tactics to perfection and the introducing of his reserves almost stole the show altogether with Weepu, Keven Mealamu and Stephen Donald taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

McCaw was in the thick of the action as usual and his scrambling for the loose ball instigated the passages of play that led to Muliaina’s try and also led to prop-cum-winger Tony Woodcock scoring out wide.

The All Blacks’ defence was exceptional, despite conceding three tries, although they still managed another bonus point for four tries of their own, indicating their superior attacking prowess and individual flair. Sitivatu’s jinking run and a well-timed off-the-ground pass setting up Weepu’s try is a case in point.

The Wallabies played a great game considering their previous loss, with their typical sheer determination pushing them within a whisker of an unlikely victory.

As wonderful a coach as Deans is, he was taken back to school by the ‘Headmaster’ and was reminded to  write “I must never be a traitor” 100 times on the blackboard. Henry comfortably won their personal duel and should be applauded for turning around the misfortunes post-World Cup and the negative publicity surrounding the most revered coaching job in New Zealand sport.

His ongoing tenure continues show very encouraging signs for the near future as the All Blacks - still in the midst of rebuilding - have proven their excellence in maintaining their domination and rightfully remaining as the best team in the world.