Michael Cheika makes light of World Cup final tactics leak

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has refused to blame a pre-match tactics leak for his side's Rugby World Cup final defeat to New Zealand.

The Wallabies put up a brave fight but were unable to overcome their Trans-Tasman rivals at Twickenham in a thrilling clash on Saturday evening.

Just 24 hours before the huge showdown, Australia's plans to stifle their opponents' big threats appeared to be leaked in a national British newspaper.

Cheika was quick to make light of the situation, however, telling reporters after his side's 34-17 defeat: "What was in [the tactics], it's no biggie. It's not like there were any super tactics or anything like that.

"It is a little bit disingenuous, you let that situation in where you open yourself up and someone focuses on that. But that's the way it goes.

"What do you do? There's nothing to cry about. "I think I'll cancel my subscription to the Daily Mail. I don't even know if I've got one."

New Zealand are the first team to ever retain the Webb Ellis Cup thanks to their three-try triumph at Rugby HQ.