Rugby World Cup Final: New Zealand v France Match Preview

As Andrea Bocelli is so keen to tell us, it is time to say goodbye. Sunday sees the culmination of 48 matches over seven weeks to decide who will be crowned world champions as the seventh Rugby World Cup comes to a close. And it'll be New Zealand, right? Well, quite simply, yes, probably. Sunday's game has seen the rugby world come together in the opinion that New Zealand will win it. At last. One bookmaker has already paid out, such is the certainty that they keep the Webb Ellis trophy in Auckland for the next four years. Despite appearances, there will actually be another team present in the form of France, but I use the word 'team' loosely. Never has a team played so badly and still got to the Final (Well, apart from England in 2007). The difference to of the class of 2007 English though is the fractious attitude of the entire French group that has made the ongoing shenanigans of their Anglo-Saxon cousins at this tournament look like a lunchtime soap compared to the hard hitting HBO style drama of the French. With this being the Dick Dastardly moustached Marc Lievremont's final game in charge of the national side, it is a reign that can not end soon enough for many. The previous four years have seen players picked and then discarded at an alarming rate that even most toddlers would findfickle. The players have argued with just about anyone they can, a media walkout at a recent press conference the latest instalment. But the efforts of France's senior players have managed to wrangle enough pride out of the side not to capitulate completely, finding 50 minutes against a poor England and a very un-French defensive discipline in the second half against the Welsh to get to this stage. (And for those of you thinking it, yes, that card did help a bit too). With France overwhelming underdogs, it is up to New Zealand to simply pick up where they left off against Australia to ensure victory. For all their success, France have been woeful in their performances, their efforts petering out as the games went on and defence their only response. Trying to contain the All Blacks will end in failure. They will have to try to win this game, not try not to lose, an attitude that may be a step too far for them. New Zealand waited until last week's semi-final to demonstrate the ruthless streak we have all been waiting for. In the first twenty minutes of that game they were devastating and a replication of this will surely be enough to secure the trophy. But it isn't cut and dry, France will be determined to upset the party and we are unlikely to see a repeat of the pool match between the two that saw New Zealand victorious with a 37-17 score. History is on the side of the French after having knocked new Zealand out of both the 1999 and 2007 competitions. That, and the weight of expectation of a home crowd and the pressure of appearing in the Final will make New Zealand nervous. The key will be their response to this. The attritional nature by which they closed out the Australia game will give heart to the team, with a steely determination having been a key component for many previous winning sides. Despite criticism from all quarters, France have named the same starting team that played against Australia with scrum half Morgan Parra again named at 10. Damien Traille comes onto the bench, much to his surprise as he actually believed it was a mistake when he was named! Such is the faith in the coaching staff to complete a teamsheet it seems. New Zealand too have went for the same side that played in the Semi-Final, with coach Graham Henry making all the right noises about ignoring the hype and understanding they do actually to do more than just turn up to claim their prize. The last time a game of this significance took place in New Zealand was 24 years ago. That of course was the World Cup Final and represents the last time the All Blacks won it. This kind of opportunity will not present itself for quite possibly another couple of generations and with the excitement and expectation reaching fever pitch, those in Auckland and beyond will be hoping with all their might that they can take this opportunity with both hands. As all Finals are, this promises to be a thrilling occasion and will be well worth one more early morning start this Sunday. Make sure you set that alarm clock... Prediction: New Zealand to win by 10-15 points TeamsNew Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read. Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams. France: Maxime Médard, Vincent Clerc, Aurélien Rougerie Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili; Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Papé, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy. Replacements: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Jean-Marc Doussain, François Trinh-Duc, Damien Traille. Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)