New Zealand vs Australia Semi Final 2

New Zealand and Australia would be relishing the opportunity to take on France in the Rugby World Cup (RWC) Final, but they first have to concern themselves with there neighbours. Xola Ntshinga said "These two know each other intimately" and I couldn't agree more.

Its number 1 vs number 2 in what some dub as the RWC final one week in advance. Australia will take cognisance that they have never lost in a RWC semi final against their illustrious host and are the last team to beat the All Blacks (ABs) in the Tri Nations Decider. The ABs though are another type of animal in New Zealand having last lost to Australia at Eden Park 25 years ago.

I could run through other stats like games played and points difference but I'm afraid that will have little barring on the out come of today's match. The loss of Millsy & Slade have somewhat strengthened the ABs and dropping utility back (Greame Henry referred to as a super sub) Sonny Bill Williams is I think genius. On the Australian side losing arguably their best player Kurtley Beale, after Quade Cooper and Will Genia of course will give coach Robbie Deans something to think about.

France as a team might be an unpredictable bunch but we can all agree the winner today should have enough to beat the French next week. So all the more incentive for both teams to go all out for the win (as if they need any), its probably the most important match since the 2003 semi final.

The top two teams in World Rugby will be hoping its a third time lucky for two different reasons. The Australians their third World Cup crown and for the New Zealanders it will be the third time they play Australia in a RWC semi final.

The game will be won at the breakdown and at set plays more importantly the scrums, that will determine who gets go forward ball which would get those dangerous backs into play. The South Africans showed last week how to nullify Cooper (and to some extent Genia) and the Australians struggled to cope, I've said on numerous occasions without that half back pairing they wouldn't be the second ranked team in the world, solly because of those two yes . So if the ABs can do the same it might just be a repeat of the last time Australia were in New Zealand.

The ABs are favourites but with favourites come pressure and its best articulated in a headline I read which read : "Ecstasy or despair beckons for All Blacks fans"  and boy are they right.( Have a read if you will http://bit.ly/rqZbEd )

My prediction is an All Black win and by more than 10, no wait between 10 and 20 points.

Jade Christopher Bentley Adams (JCBA)