Here we are. The Wallabies versus the All Blacks, sorry, New Zealand, in the Rugby World Cup final.
It’s never happened before, but there’s little doubt we’re all better off now it has.
It’s going to be a classic, no matter the result. After four years of faffing about we’re finally here, at the big dance.
The Crowd is perfect so far – the only one to be so – having picked all the games admirably. Last week the vote for Argentina-Australia was split right down the middle until Sunday tipped it over to 53% going Australia’s way.
A slim margin, but it sees them take an unassailable lead in the finals tipping.
Me picking South Africa wasn’t smart – I admitted as much – but it was fun, and didn’t those Springboks put the fear in the All Blacks! What a great rivalry that is.
But Australia were solid, with all three experts and the crowd agreeing they would get over Argentina. And they did.
So to the final. The big one. The last boss. Australia vs New Zealand.
Chris Roche
Tip: Australia
I think the final is an even money bet. The game will come down to which team is better disciplined.
Australia and New Zealand have both had four yellow cards awarded against them in the Cup. All other statistics are relatively even, taking into account the strength of the teams each finalist has played to get to the final.
I believe Australia can put and keep New Zealand under the pump and for this reason will scrape home.
Brett McKay (the guy who can’t even tie for a win)
Tip: Australia
Australia by 5. I’m astounded by what Michael Cheika has been able to achieve in 12 months and even more so in the last five. The team now clearly believes they can run through a black wall, all because Cheika says so.
Patrick Effeney
Tip: Straya
Last week I picked the Springboks so not to be boring, but I think the crowd will pick New Zealand, and I’m all about sharing that first place. So Straya it is!
Carn you Wallabies!
| Chris | Brett | Paddy | The Crowd | |
| AUS v NZ | Australia | Australia | Australia | ??? |
| LAST WEEK | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Put your vote in for The Crowd’s tips.
!@#$%^&*()
Guest
All blacks will have the victory
Shrink
Guest
Dane Coles (NZ) Stephen Moore (Aus) 1 Tries 0 46 Carries metres 19 5 Carries over the gainline 6 92% Tackle success 92% 33 Tackles made 34 4 Turnovers won 0
Paul from Melbourne
Guest
his shoulder is fine, we need to give Sio's elbow a good work out. To be honest, i never thought one can recover from a dislocated elbow in 2 weeks.
Nobody
Guest
I really want the ABs to win this, but it could go either way and my gut says the Wallabies will take it out. I hope not, but that's what I think will happen so let me be the first to offer my congratulations. Worthy finalists and worthy winners.
sheek
Roar Guru
It's ridiculous asking fans of the combatants who will win. 99.9% of Kiwis will say All Blacks & 95.9% of Aussies will say Wallabies. Almost everyone feels an obligation to back their own team, whether they believe their team will really win, or not. Actually, now I can see why bible bashers, snake oil salesmen & corporate bookmakers become obscenely rich.....
Mike Julz
Guest
All Blacks to score 5 tries to the Wallabies 3. Carter with 3 conversions, 2 drop kicks and 3 penalties. Foley will kick all the conversions, with 3 penalties. So if you haven't calculate it out yet, the final score will be NZL 43 - AUS 30. :-)
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately I think you're right. Can see a close game up to the last 20 and then the WBs might just well run out of steam.
DaniE
Roar Guru
You should spring for the recently released Bulgari All Black timepiece ;)... smoking hot watch
Outlier
Guest
Can't see the All Blacks losing. If they were going to blow it, would have been last week. Ironically I think the Ockers would have beaten us in a final (I can admit that now that we are out) All Blacks by 12
Leister Stewart
Guest
19-1 for a draw
Ronaldo
Guest
Wallabies by 5. Predictions : Wallaby scrum dominant Wallaby loosies run them off their feet Foley has a blinder & Genia tackles himself to a standstill Wallaby back 3 have their most potent match of the WC …. especially Folau & Beale Milne-Skudder spills too many high balls Wallaby rolling maul produces the goods Sir Richie trips over his own tape unravelling Apart from that …. it will be the best match in years & I wish both teams well.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Is this what we call gambling responsibly?
Die hard
Roar Rookie
It's been eight years waiting RT. I am hoping it was worth the wait. France certainly was.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
All Blacks.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
I think it's going to be a tie. They will tie the main game. They will tie extra time. They will tie the golden point. They will tie the penalty kick off. Even the coin toss is going to land on its edge. The game will be decided by a blindfolded Prop sack race down Hampton Road.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
So long as he doesn't play like Quade Cooper did in his last game against the All Blacks, I will be satisfied.
mtiger
Roar Rookie
Richie, perhaps "clutch" defines him better?
mtiger
Roar Rookie
JE, but the ABs backline does not chance ad lib the way the Puma backline did. Only Nehe has that step, to beat the first tackles, which WBs missed in the Puma match.
Riccardo
Guest
Sorry lads. While Cheika has worked wonders in such a short time I just think the last 20-25 minutes will be telling.... and not in your favour. All Blacks by 13. Boks by the same, if not more...
Riccardo
Guest
Foley has had a fabulous tournament but is not as accurate with the boot as this moniker would suggest. That this nick-name actually belongs to one of the greatest footballers the game has seen, not withstanding. I wouldn't wish failure on anyone but you have to wonder whether this is a bridge too far. Another question for you Harry - where do they put him on defense? Not sure having facing Savea would be the smartest plan...