Defending champions New Zealand have the World Cup record books in their sights. They are looking to become the first back-to-back champions as well
ADVERTISEMENTDefending champions New Zealand have the World Cup record books in their sights.
They are looking to become the first back-to-back champions as well as winning a record third crown.
The All Blacks hammered the French in the quarters before battling past South Africa in the semis.
They now face Australia who ended a four-year winless run against the Kiwis in August but forward Sam Whitelock insists that will mean nothing come Saturday.
“I think the beauty of this world cup (is that) everything that happened before, it means very little,’‘ said Whitelock. ‘‘You know, it’s all going to come down to 80-plus minutes on this Saturday, so, sure, we’re aware of the history between both sides, but it all comes down to this Saturday.”
New Zealand have lost just one of their past 12 matches with Australia stretching back four years and head into their first World Cup final against their biggest rivals as favourites, who are also two-time champions and hunting a record third title.
Whatever the rugby history books say now, they will be re-written on Saturday, the only question is by whom.