Well as everyone knows, it all goes on the line today. The black clad overlords of the international rugby world will be looking to frank their reputation as the undisputed super power of the game they play in heaven. Standing in their way will be the old enemy from across the ditch, the men in green and gold, the Wallabies. The New Zealand nation has seen their beloved All Blacks go into each of the World Cups to date, as the pronounced favourites, and there's every chance that they'll do the same for the next three thousand and sixteen years. Rugby to the Kiwis, is everything. I'm sure there'd be no end of people who'd happily sell off a kid or two if it meant getting their team home in this epic clash against their age old enemy. The country is fairly frothing at the mouth. There is no truth the the vicious rumours sweeping the globe that the eight New Zealanders who don't know who Richie McCaw is, are being held in close arrest. And speaking of McCaw, love him or loathe him, he is one of the greatest flankers to have ever pulled on a jumper. The man with the flat top hair cut will take to the final in what will probably be the last game of his illustrious career. To date he's gone to the well on 148 occasions, 109 of those as the All Black leader, and walked off the field with just 15 losses to his name. There can be no more fitting finish to the great man's endeavours, than to have him lift the Webb Ellis Cup and hold it aloft for the third and final time. But it will not be all that easy for the men in black. Their two World Cup victories have come in their own back yard, both finals being staged at the fortress known as Eden Park in Auckland. This was a major advantage.There is more chance of Jennifer Lopez packing down in the front row than a visitor winning a test match at Eden Park. And among all others, Australia have long suffered at the hands of these merciless titans when it comes to encounters in the Shaky Isles. Thankfully, from an Australian point of view, New Zealand is a bloody long way from Twickenham, a ground where the Wallabies have experienced recent success. While New Zealand have had to hit the road, travelling from London to Cardiff, then onto Newcastle before a return to Cardiff and then back to London, Australia have had the luxury of playing England, Wales, Scotland and Argentina at the English home of rugby, in four lead in games to the final. Added to this, the record between the two side in the Rugby World Cup stands to the Wallabies advantage, two games to one. But the past means very little. When the whistle blows it'll be a whole new ball game. The return of loose head prop Scott Sio is a major boost to the Wallabies chances. James Slipper stepped into Sio's shoes last week against Argentina after injury forced a replacement in the front row. The open side of the scrum badly suffered as a consequence, leaving Checka no option but to punt Slipper back to the bench. As usual, the game will boil down to which of the two packs can muscle their way onto the front foot. Turn overs will be vital. Australia have three dedicated ball stealers to combat the mighty McCaw. The man will get untiring support from Brodie Retallick, and Sam Whitelock will be worth his weight in gold when it it comes to line outs. During the Cup, the All Blacks have scored more tries, conceded fewer points and have gained half as much ground again as Australia, but have had the massive advantage of avoiding the pool of death. Looking at the stats, it's hard to see how the underdogs can get away with a win, but a World Cup Final at Twickenham is a whole different kettle of fish. This New Zealand - Australia clash promises to be an epic encounter, I just hope that the rugby Gods look down upon the game with warmth in their hearts, and give it their blessings.
McCaw's a serial cheat who must have plenty of dirt over the refs because I've never seen the man penalised. He is also an excellent player. Hopefully this match emulates their encounter from a few months ago.
The is no doubt that McCaw sails close to the wind Bob. He doesn't get pinged as often as he probably should, but that's because of his intimate knowledge of the game. Around the ruck he's sublime. It's not that he has dirt on anybody, it's just that he knows the game as well as anybody. And if he feels the that the pressure is getting to his side, he'll shut things down...he'll give away a penalty. You'll notice that a lot of the time, the free kick is out of range. He's a wily old bastard. I can tell ya Bob, there isn't a team on the planet who wouldn't want him in their side. You're right, he's a hell of a player.
Totally agree. Whilst he is undoubtedly a great player it has undoubtedly helped him that he is invisible on the pitch to most referees. Maybe Owens has the courage of his convictions to judge him to the same rule book as the other players this afternoon. Good luck Cyc, hope your team do you proud. Some transformation in the last 12 months. Was reading an article about Pocock in the week. Top bloke. Goes into the match with a busted hooter and I bet he'll be straight into the first breakdown.
Lovely touch from Sonny Bill Williams when the young fan ran on the pitch after the game and got rugby tackled by a steward. Class.
