The Wallabies provide worthy foes for the All Blacks

Honour and glory are central to the Greek character. Since heroes are the essence of the society from which they come, Greek heroes are judged by their deeds in battle according to these twin pillars.

The goal of the Greeks is the fame that resounds long after death, and they will stop at nothing to achieve this aim. Pain, or indeed mortality, is temporary but glory endures.

As heroic deeds needed to be witnessed by others, any eulogising came from feats achieved on the battlefield rather than rhetoric used off it.

Honour was similar to glory, but while the public had to view actions and deem them glorious, each individual maintained their own sense of personal honour. This did not always coincide with honour, as Greek society was mobile in its structure. Villains could rise up to become heroes and men of standing could just as easily fall from grace.

It is fitting that we have two finalists worthy of Greek folklore. Two opponents that have taken two distinct paths that intersect divinely in one final epic battle.

The Wallabies rose to acclaim in the Pool of Death, a perfect breeding ground for heroes. Yet the exploits carved out in these four matches trace back to the Rugby Championship.

For individuals to flourish, you must first build a culture of confidence. This is arguably Michael Cheika’s greatest achievement. He has turned his team into men of actions rather than words.

The Wallabies undoubtedly had a favourable draw, but there was nothing simple about securing consecutive victories over fearsome opponents. Not when you take into consideration the disappointing November tour the previous year.

You could see the belief grow after their hard-fought victory first up against South Africa. A commanding performance away in Argentina and a demonstration of newly found steel in the pack – notably at scrum time – and the stage was set for the final battle.

Importantly, the rhetoric was spared. There was no call to their foe to bring their A game. Respect was paid to the opponent but the talking was saved for battle. The Wallabies brought the right intensity and they were deserving victors.

Eden Park was a setback but the Wallabies approached the Pool of Death with a quiet confidence. They had targeted the right battles and this steely resolve saw the rise of new heroes.

None more so than Bernard Foley.

His exploits against England were all the more glorious when you take into account the backdrop of his masterclass performance. He’d had a mixed record coming into that match. He lacked the consistency of Israel Folau – who ironically seems to be struggling a little with injury – but he played a hero’s role against England. He may not have been adorned with winning wreaths after the match but his exploits were duly noted.

It was a team effort, of course, and that became more obvious against Wales. Down two men, with Wales hot on attack, and the Wallabies were relentless on defence. Heroic was an adjective thrown about after that match to describe that Wallabies shutout and I do not feel that was resorting to hyperbole.

You could argue that the Wallabies have appeared less convincing since – notably against Scotland – but there is always an element of good fortune for a team of heroes just as there are moments of adversity when heroic deeds are called for.

Foley still had to kick a difficult winning goal, vital turnovers or bruising defence had to be made to stifle Argentina’s continuity, as they were cutting through the middle with some deft interplay.

Much has been said about the Wallabies attack before but this World Cup has been built upon a bedrock of defence. It is interesting that with that emphasis on defence, there is a perception about this Wallabies side that they are grounded and committed.

Their attack has struck when it has needed to but the rousing cheers have come from the big hits from men like Scott Fardy and David Pocock but also the smaller men like Foley and Kurtley Beale.

When the big plays had to be made against Argentina, the Wallabies executed two wonderful cutout passes on both sides in the first half, and Drew Mitchell made a scything run in the second half and had the good sense to seek the open spaces and fling the ball out in the direction of Adam Ashley-Cooper who bagged a hat-trick.

At the end of the match, there was more blood than a Mel Gibson crucifixion film. The flowing claret paid homage to a team that was battered but not bowed.

Regardless of the outcome this Saturday, I wish to tip my hat to this Wallabies side. There has been a lot to admire about their campaign and they are truly worthy finalists.

It is good for Australian rugby that the pride has been restored in the Wallabies jersey with the players making the headlines for all the right reasons. You can see that team spirit reflected on the field and it has been pleasing to see.

I am nervous but quietly confident that my own warriors can overcome the Wallabies. But there is no doubt in my mind that in terms of opponents to face, this side is the toughest in 2015.

From where this Wallabies side started, that alone is deserving of plaudits. I salute the worthy foe. Now more glory and honour await. Let the battle to end all battles commence.