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Why the All Blacks won't win the World Cup (and why they will)

6th March, 2015
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The All Blacks' Rugby World Cup win gained the sport some new fans. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
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6th March, 2015
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The World Cup is on its way and as per usual New Zealand are firming as the front-runners to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

However the World Cup has not always run to script, and New Zealand have found themselves knocked out of the competition far more often than they would have liked.

Below are several reasons why the All Blacks will not take out the trophy, and one reason why they will.

No side has ever gone back-to-back
Four years is a lifetime in rugby union and no nation has been able to successfully navigate the time in between the World Cups to claim the Web Ellis Cup two tournaments in a row.

Furthermore, the All Blacks have never won a World Cup in the northern hemisphere – or outside New Zealand for that matter.

Whether it has been a dodgy meal from Suzie in South Africa, the French uncharacteristically refusing to surrender, or Australian teams just being a nuisance, New Zealand have never been able to get the result away from home.

South Africa
The only team that has beaten the All Blacks since 2012, the Springboks’ efforts in Johannesburg last year helped erode some of the aura that surrounds ‘The Darkness’.

Like Australia they have been largely successful in the northern hemisphere, with one title to their name and a freak Stephen Larkham drop-goal denying them a chance for another.

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Australia’s favourite World Cup location
Australia’s two World Cup titles have been achieved in Britain.

Despite a dramatic 2014 (quite an understatement), the Wallabies came within a breath of taking the Bledislode off the All Blacks, with a draw, and a one-point loss drowned out by an Eden Park drubbing.

If Australia can survive the pool of death – and that will be a feat in itself – expect that belief to carry them well into the tournament

Ireland
A match between these two teams last year would have been a great indicator for the World Cup, with both teams on top of their respective hemispheres at present.

Ireland have won 10 games in a row, are poised to take out the Six Nations, and are in line to achieve a grand slam. They are the northern hemisphere’s best hope of winning the World Cup.

France
Months out from the World Cup the French team is a shambles, which should be a dire warning for other teams.

Somehow for those few weeks every four years the French throw aside all the off-field chaos and make a solid run at the Cup. The most successful team not to win the trophy, write the French off at your peril.

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Why New Zealand will win the World Cup
They’re the All Blacks.

If you can think of any other reasons feel free to contribute in the comments.

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