Where Are They Now: 2011 World Cup champion All Blacks

It's been nearly a decade since the All Blacks quashed their long-standing World Cup drought in front of their own fans at Eden Park in Auckland.

In a match that will forever be etched in New Zealand rugby folklore, the likes of skipper Richie McCaw and cult hero Stephen Donald wrote themselves into the history books after playing vital roles in a 8-7 victory over France nine years ago.

Since then, the Kiwis went on to achieve unprecedented success under the tutelage of Steve Hansen, but it was Sir Graham Henry's class of 2011 that dispelled the long-standing curse to win their first world title in 24 years.

Some of the match day squad that dispatched Les Bleus in one of the most tense fixtures in modern rugby history are still kicking the ball around somewhere in the world, but most have hung up their boots for good.

With that in mind, here is a look back at the players who ended nearly a quarter of a century of heartbreak for New Zealand and assess where they are now.

1. Tony Woodcock

The only try-scorer for the All Blacks in the final, Tony Woodcock went on to amass 118 tests and won a second World Cup crown in England four years later. Now works as a farmer in Kaukapakapa.

2. Keven Mealamu

One of the longest-serving members of this side, Keven Mealamu's decorated 132-test career also came to a close following the England 2015 triumph. The 41-year-old now owns a gym in South Auckland, is on the boards of Drug Free Sport NZ and Auckland Rugby, and was last year elected to the Papakura Local Board.

3. Owen Franks

Despite being one of the most solid and reliable All Blacks stars of the past decade, Owen Franks' esteemed 108-cap international career came to an anticlimactic end last year when he missed out on selection for the World Cup in Japan. The two-time World Cup-winner has since joined English Premiership side Northampton Saints.

4. Brad Thorn

A genuine legend of the professional era, the 2011 World Cup final acted as Brad Thorn's final appearance in an All Blacks jersey. The 45-year-old signed off his playing days with spells at the Sanix Blues, Leinster, the Highlanders, Leicester Tigers and Queensland Country before entering the coaching ranks in 2017. Now working as head coach of the Reds in Super Rugby.

5. Sam Whitelock

One of only two players in this starting lineup still playing rugby in New Zealand, Sam Whitelock has gone on to create the most formidable locking partnership of all-time with Brodie Retallick. Considered by many to be unlucky to miss out on the All Blacks captaincy to Sam Cane, the 117-test star will kit up for the Crusaders this year after a brief stint with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan.