Australia will meet New Zealand in the early hours of Sunday morning to lift the ultimate prize in World Rugby - the William Webb Ellis Cup.
Affectionately known as Bill in some circles, neither side has won the trophy three times. That will all change come the final whistle at Twickenham.
On the weekend, the superpowers of Southern Hemisphere rugby, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina fought it out.
The decider will be tight and go right down to the wire, as you would expect from two traditional foes.
What was interesting to note from my perspective, was how the All Blacks had to fight hard against a Springboks team which applied enormous pressure.
I doubt that I have ever seen a New Zealand side kick away so much possession. It’s an area I feel the Wallabies can exploit.
Half-back Aaron Smith was off his game and kicked poorly, but he wasn't the only one to play well below expectation.
Power centre Ma'a Nonu and explosive winger Julian Savea failed to make any real impact, which must have disappointed coach Steve Hansen.
The All Blacks are renowned for building pressure, but continually allowed the Springboks to escape by giving away possession.
As for the other semi, I expected more from Argentina.
But at the end of the day, the Wallabies were too classy, too clinical and thoroughly deserved their victory.
From the first points to lock Rob Simmons, to the three tries to veteran winger Adam Ashley-Cooper, the Wallabies never looked in trouble.
Australian flanker David Pocock got through the match in one piece, which must have been a huge relief for coach Michael Cheika.
However, he must be concerned about fullback Israel Folau, who appears to be playing well below par. Folau’s niggling injuries have clearly restricted him playing his natural game.
In my opinion, the decider will be tight and go right down to the wire, as you would expect from two traditional foes.
The Wallabies are one team that can defeat the All Blacks. But they will have to work much harder than they did against the Pumas.
The combination of Pocock and Michael Hooper - or Pooper as they are known in England - will need to create havoc and put Hansen’s side off their game.
If New Zealand settle into a rhythm, they will be hard to beat. Particularly if Dan Carter and his trusty left boot are firing.
After a fantastic match against England, Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley played well against both Scotland and Argentina. However, he still hasn’t reached the lofty heights of a few weeks ago, so he will need to lift his game.
The Wallabies are definitely a bogey team for New Zealand.
In truth though, we are still yet to gain any real ascendancy over the All Blacks based on 10 years of continued losses.
The All Blacks like to play with width and speed, moving the football quickly through their hands.
So what is the key to unsettling them?
An aggressive Wallabies defensive line. One which can put New Zealand on the back foot and apply consistent, error-free pressure. It’s the sort of game Australia is capable of.
It will be a great contest and the first time both teams have faced each other in the final to lift the Cup.
As holders and given their ranking as the world’s number one side, the Kiwis will justifiably start as favourites.
However, the Wallabies will be quietly confident.
I honestly believe Cheika has the players, the skill and the discipline to successfully execute a game plan and come out on top.
Go the Wallabies!
Share
