Sunday October 23rd
Rugby World Cup Final – New Zealand v France
Another superb display by pre-tournament favourites, New Zealand, ended Australia’s World Cup hopes with a 20-6 victory in the semi-final. An early try by Ma’a Nonu settled any nerves the hosts may have been feeling and 12 points from Piri Weepu plus Aaron Cruden’s drop-goal ensured that they ran out convincing winners.
Although the Wallabies enjoyed some bright spells they were never able to get back into the game and the All Blacks march on to face France in the final. Few would have tipped the French after two defeats in the pool stages but they have stunned England and Wales to earn their place in the final.
They built up a big enough lead to withstand England’s late rally in the quarter-finals and took advantage of a controversial sending off against a gallant Welsh team to edge through by 9 points to 8 in the semi-final. It was the accurate kicking of Morgan Parra which guided the French through a gritty encounter but they now head to Eden Park as big underdogs.
New Zealand have had much the better of recent meetings between these two sides but the French will want to recall the 2007 World Cup quarter final from which they emerged victorious.
Friday October 21st
Bronze medal – Wales v Australia
Both teams will be licking their wounds from the disappointment of semi-final defeats, particularly the Welsh who were beaten by a single point.
Centrebet make the All Blacks red-hot favourites at just $1.08 in the head to head with France paying $8.00. France are +17.5 on the Line. There are a host of other markets for the World Cup Final including half-time/win margin, first scoring play, yellow card, drop goal and first stoppage.
