This weekend’s Rugby World Cup Final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies will go down as one of the greatest finals of all time, capping off a wonderful tournament for the Southern Hemisphere heavyweights. But with offices and removal services across both New Zealand and Australia, naturally the team at Conroy will be a happy camp no matter the result.
Without a doubt the two best teams of the world cup will be playing in Sunday morning’s final. The Wallabies have played a fantastic attacking style of rugby dominating their way through the toughest pool in world cup history and managing a last minute victory over Scotland in the quarterfinal. The All Blacks have been solid throughout, with only South Africa pushing them close in the semifinals. The quarterfinal demolishing of France was the stand out performance of the tournament by far, showcasing some ridiculous and ruthless skill.
The rational betting man would have to put his money on the All Blacks who are paying less than $1.50 with Australia garnishing a healthy $3.00. If Australia were to win Sunday’s final it would hardly go down as the most dramatic upset of sporting history (that honour was won by Japan in early pool play.) We believe it to be 50/50. The winner will be the team who wants it the most and who can rise above the nerves to claim the title – both sides have the potential to do just that.
Here are some key match ups to savor before the final:
Richie McCaw vs. David Pocock: the battle of the breakdown will be fiercely competitive with an all time great up against one of the most talented backrowers in today’s game.
Dan Carter vs. Bernard Foley: both fly half’s are in commanding form and have steered and kicked their teams to the final. Sure to be a mouth-watering match up.
Dane Coles vs. Stephen Moore: the dynamic running and flying hooker will be up against the gritty Australian captain to establish dominance up front.
Ben Smith vs. Israel Folau: the man known in New Zealand as Ben from Accounts who is good with numbers and under the high ball will have to contain the underperforming Folau who is due for a big showing.
Ashley-Cooper vs. Milner-Skudder: the battle of the hyphened last names will be an electric and fast paced encounter as long as the weather permits for the backs to do their thing.
As the cricket world cup taught us earlier this year, there is no sporting rivalry as great as a trans-Tasman one. Bring on Sunday morning!