Congratulations to Wallabies Coach Michael Cheika, Captain Stephen Moore and all the players, families, officials, staff and supporters on a remarkable World Cup campaign that saw Australia go within one win of capturing the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.

We are proud of you and we salute you.

Even the most casual rugby fans around the country would have enjoyed the heart-stopper against Scotland, sending England on their way early in the tournament, and the inspired play of David Pocock who was the tournament's best player.

After a strong first half from the All Blacks in the final, our men did not lie down or give in.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians who set alarms or pushed through to watch the final would have believed in the second half, like I did, that victory was in reach, only for the All Blacks to regain control.

The All Blacks are a great side and they have earned the appreciation and admiration of our Kiwi brothers and sisters, as well as the broader international rugby community.

On behalf of all the Australian supporters and everyone who got behind the #StrongerAsOne campaign we thank the Wallabies for weeks of entertaining rugby and for the way they represented our nation and its people.