To many All Black fans tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup final will be the biggest game on record and according to the TAB at least, it’s gonna be tight.

My opinion: that New Zealand will take it over Australia is a given; by how much is the question…

For a number of players tomorrow morning is to be their final All Black match ever; after that the only place the names Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Ritchie McCaw, and Dan Carter will be recognisable in the sport of rugby union, is in the memories of us aged supporters.

…With New Zealand paying $1.35 to Australia’s $3.00, obviously, head to head isn’t where the money is to be made; New Zealand have to take it by 13…

I was just 19 years’ old when a youthful Ritche McCaw first took to the field for Canterbury as an inexperienced 23-year-old; as I recall that was around the same era rugby commentators delivered an almost mocking reception to an unwelcome newcomer of that very same Canterbury side, at the time trying to usurp Andrew Mehrtens’ number 10 jersey, by the name Daniel Carter.

…If not 13 though, I would like to see either a draw at 40 or 80 minutes (which one is really up to you although 80 does pay better), no tries scored in the game, and/or a New Zealand drop goal as the final scoring play.

I believe Conrad Smith to be one of the finest players to wear the All Black jersey; he’s right up there with the class and reliability of Leon MacDonald and will be missed terribly. Honestly, although I’m sure many consider him an asset, I never had much time for Ma’a Nonu. His ill discipline – which admittedly has improved with maturity – and overall uncontrolled style of play, I reckon used to cause me as much stress as a spectator as it did the opposition’s defensive line; nevertheless, his absence will leave a hole.

Tomorrow morning’s game will be a spectacle for all those reasons and surely a great many more.

Go the AB’s.

Article by Tim Walker

Edited by Cham P Inn

Photography by Feer Wall