) it all comes down to this - The World Cup final between host nation New Zealand and France. On paper it looks like one of the most lopsided finals in Rugby World Cup history, New Zealand have looked solid all tournament, they've had injuries to key players but have remained focused the whole way through knowing their fate is now in their hands. France on the other hand have somehow managed to fumble their way to the Final, relying on luck and the misfortune of others to progress as far as they have, some would go so far to say they are undeserving finalists (like me). All signs point to a comfortable New Zealand win here, easy wins over Tonga, Japan, Canada and France in the Pool stage followed by a hard fought quarter final against Argentina and a clinical display against Australia put them in pole position. There's been nothing from the French side to show they've improved over the last few weeks, struggled against Japan and Canada, followed by losses to New Zealand and more embarrassingly Tonga, a decent display against England in the quarters but a dour one-point win over Wales with a one man advantage for over 60 mins, not to mention the rumours of team infighting - and yet you can never write them off. If there's one team New Zealand would have liked to have avoided playing in the Final it's the French because they are so unpredictable. France have a history of being a thorn in New Zealand's world cup plan (dramatically losing in the 1999 semi finals and in 2007 in the quarters) and all Kiwis are aware of it. New Zealand should win this, it's almost impossible to think otherwise given the form of the two sides, but have France been playing possum all along? Is this the moment they surprise everyone and once again deny New Zealand that converted World Cup trophy? One things for certain as much as a foregone conclusion this seems I wouldn't bet my house on it.
