One battle I’m excited to watch this weekend would have to be the battle between the backrows.
The 2011 World Cup-winning trio of Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino going up against the younger trio of Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Scott Fardy.
When match day comes, accolades count for nothing, and it’s how they are play on that day that matters. But all six players are special in their own way, they are power players, heavy hitters and they are potential game changers.
For the All Blacks, much of their success over the couple of years leading up to this World Cup comes their backs’ strength, ability and skills. But it’s their backrow that consistently sets the benchmark in terms of physicality, skills and keeping a cool head.
All three players bring something different to the team. Their style of play compliments each other’s quite fittingly.
They have probably the greatest All Blacks backrow I’ve ever seen, with due respect to previous All Black backrowers. They’ve played together for numerous years and they know that they are different but that works.
Jerome Kaino is 30-years-old with 66 Test matches under his belt. He is the All Blacks enforcer.
He played every second of every game in the last World Cup, with the exception of a few seconds against the Wallabies in the semi-finals.
In that game, Kaino and Brad Thorn were set with the task of keeping the incredibly tough David Pocock away from the ball at the breakdowns. Even though he had this monumental task, he still found ways to shine around the game.
Kieran Read, 32, with 83 Test matches, is possibly the greatest No. 8 New Zealand has produced. He was the IRB player of the year in 2013 and will inherit the captaincy of the All Blacks once the great Richie retires.
He’s a massive asset to the All Blacks. In the 2013 match against the Springboks in Ellis Park, named by few as greatest rugby Test match in the professional era, Read Read was possibly the best forward on the field.
He was everywhere with huge hits, passing and offloads.
Lastly, the greatest rugby player All Blacks have produced and possibly the most influential rugby player of the professional era. At 33 and with 147 Test matches to his name, Richie McCaw hasn’t slowed down while playing in probably the most demanding position on the field.
If the All Blacks are to win back-to-back World Cups, Richie is going to play a huge part.
Standing in their way are the resurgent Wallabies. They have a fearlessness and ruthlessness that’s helped them in every World Cup game. They’ll fight for each other until the last second.
The Wallabies have reached the finals through excellent and clinical performances. The Wallabies are the biggest threat to the world champions.
Scott Fardy, 31, has played less than 30 Test matches and is possibly the most underrated Wallaby. He has been extremely reliable in this World Cup. His work around the field isn’t as talked about as much as his counterparts in the number 7 and number 8 jerseys.
Michael Hooper, only 23 with 50 Test matches has already captained the Wallabies.
He will grow to be one of the Wallabies greats. Under Ewen McKenzie he was incredible, particularly in the Wallabies 50-23 demolition of France.
Then there s one of the finest players Australia has produced in David Pocock. At 27, with more than 50 Test matches, he has shown time and time again why he should be considered one of the greatest players to play this game.
I’m a huge Pocock fan, that’s mainly because he’s been through so many potential career-ending injuries but has fought his way back. He’s a game changer, he conjures up moments that inspire his team to fight until the end.
His presence on the field adds so much confidence in this team, and so much intimidation to his opposition.
His game-changing ability was shown in a lot of matches, but none more so than in the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup against the Springboks.
This match was controversial mainly due to the refereeing, but no-one could argue with the quality of Pocock’s performance. He tackled his heart out with over 25 tackles and 9 turnovers.
To be honest, I just want the final to hurry up and happen. Every player on each team is going to play extremely hard.
Let the best team win.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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