I don’t think its a question anymore, if the All Blacks will be winning the Web Ellis trophy on Sunday but by how far. Many will point at the unpredictability of the French and their history against the All Blacks in World Cup knockout games but I think even a 150% performance by this French team won’t beat the All Blacks at Eden Park. The All Blacks have already comfortably beaten the French in this tournament and that in itself must have buried a lot of daemons in the All Black camp.
From there the French have gone on to lose again Tonga, played a decent game against a very mediocre English side and then barely held on to victory against a 14 man Welsh side. There has been no indication that this French side could repeat the efforts of their countrymen in 1999 and 2007. They have lacked the flair of past French teams. Lots of luck, a favorable draw and being on the right side of a few controversial decisions have booked their place in the final. There will be no such luck against a clinical All Black outfit.
The All Blacks on the other side have been phenomenal. They have won each game they played as easily as has been there habit in non World Cup years, easily shut out the Wallabies a week ago and will now face a below par final opponent. If there was a time for this team to do their usual World Cup “choke” it was last week against Australia. They played an almost perfect game and never even gave them a chance.
The All Blacks will go on to win the World Cup and Richie McCaw will add the last trophy that has alluded him and his fellow crop of great New Zealand rugby players for so long. A nation will rejoice not only for the win but also for hosting a very successful tournament in the face of adversary from the earthquakes that rocked Christchurch earlier this year. The only missing piece of the fairy tale will be Dan Carter that will not take part in the final, that should’ve been his greatest moment to shine. Sadly he might not get another chance.
The All Blacks will win easily and it will be the best result for rugby and an entire rugby loving nation.
