Thousands of revellers in Dunedin's Octagon last night were in fine voice as the city centre was blacked out for the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
The Octagon was packed with black-shirted fans for hours before the 9pm kick-off, as supporters enjoyed balmy conditions - and the prospect of a public holiday today.
The indoor grandstand in the Terrace Bar was packed to capacity. The noise was loud when about 200 fans rose to sing the New Zealand national anthem - but that was nothing compared with the roar as the players ran down the tunnel past the Webb Ellis Cup - and when the final whistle blew.
Even the Occupy Dunedin protesters, who have been camped out in the upper Octagon for the past week, joined the party by adding two All Black flags to their protest signs.
Fans who gathered to watch the final in Christchurch said the city's fan zone had united the quake-devastated community.
About 6000 watched the game on big screens set up in Hagley Park, which just months ago was a makeshift camp and medical centre for residents displaced by the February earthquake.
"It has brought the community together after such devastation."
Five hours before kick-off, Queens Wharf was closed and the Auckland waterfront was buzzing with excitement.
Reminiscent of scenes from opening night 45 days ago, Quay St was swarming with fans.
North Otago, birthplace of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, was bursting with pride.
Pubs in Kurow, Oamaru, and every other North Otago settlement were filled with fans and flags were flown from every vantage point.
- Additional reporting APNZ
