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Australia and New Zealand media trade blows ahead of World Cup final

Monday 26 October 2015 08:10, UK

Drew Mitchell fends off Agustin Creevy during the 2015 RWC Semi Final between Argentina and Australia
Image: Drew Mitchell fends off Agustin Creevy during the semi-final

The press in Australia and New Zealand have already begun taking pot shots at each other ahead of Saturday's World Cup final.

The rivalry between the two nations will reach fever pitch by the weekend when the two teams meet at Twickenham.

Despite the success of the All Blacks and Wallabies over the years, they have never met in the World Cup final.

The Kiwis scraped their way past South Africa 20-18 and the Aussies beat Argentina 29-15.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Rob Simmons (l) celebrates with Bernard Foley of Australia after scoring the opening try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Sem
Image: Rob Simmons (left) celebrates with Bernard Foley after scoring the opening try

So the prospect of a clash which will earn four years of bragging rights has whipped the media in both countries into a frenzy.

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"Motivation can't possibly be a problem for the All Blacks this week. A World Cup final should be more than enough in itself," New Zealand Herald columnist Gregor Paul wrote.

"But it's against Australia - who in rugby terms at least are little brother. It's against Australia - who at times in the past decade have been a nauseating mix of over-confidence and under-performance."

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia goes over to score second first try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between
Image: Adam Ashley-Cooper scores one of his three tries

The All Blacks - the defending champions - are favourites and the Wallabies will have grim memories of their last encounter, a thrashing at New Zealand's Eden Park fortress.

But Australia's past World Cup winners were convinced Michael Cheika's side could tear up the form guide.

"Argentina's scrum put us through the wringer, but Australia's defence was outstanding," Sky Sports expert Michael Lynagh told The Australian newspaper.

New Zealand's Jerome Kaino scores his side's first try during the Rugby World Cup, Semi Final at Twickenham Stadium, London.
Image: New Zealand's Jerome Kaino scores his side's first try against South Africa

"Australia is one of the few teams (that can win), Australia can beat New Zealand, this is a huge opportunity."

John Eales, captain of Australia's 1999 World Cup-winning side, was also backing an upset.

"They've peaked at the right time," he told Fox Sports. "This team's got one song sheet and they're all singing from it. They've been singing from it all year."

Australia are one of only a few sides to deny the All Blacks complete dominance of world rugby in recent years and though most New Zealand scribes tipped a win for the champions, there were signs of a grudging respect.

All Black coach Steve Hansen and Richie McCaw chat in the dressing room following the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final between South Africa and New Zealand
Image: All Black coach Steve Hansen and Richie McCaw celebrate in the changing room

"The final will be a better contest for Australia's presence," Chris Rattue wrote in the New Zealand Herald.

"They specialise in guile, whereas Argentina are still too gullible to match it with the All Blacks.

"But the All Blacks are ready to pounce on the mouse which is roaring."   

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