World Cup Off Load: Best two teams to compete for the Webb Ellis Cup

So there we have it. The first Antipodean World Cup final. Given Wallaby and All Black excellence over the years that seems something of a surprise. But an all-Bledisloe showpiece at this World Cup feels absolutely right.

The All Blacks' players and coaching staff were right on message through the build-up week, confidently saying that they knew what to expect against South Africa. But even the savviest of Kiwi coaches couldn't have predicted just how straight forwardly physical and mightily effective the Springboks would be.

Ten-man kick chase rugby was invented by the All Blacks in the 1950's; it nearly came back to haunt them on Saturday. For 80 minutes the Springboks were as brutal as it gets. If not for a vintage display from Dan Carter and a Habana yellow card, it might have been enough. Stranded out in the wing for much of the game, the great Bok flyer was desperate to play a bigger part in what will surely be his last World Cup - he went looking for work in among the hefty fellas up front, and ended up in the sin bin; a huge moment in the match. Tough to take for a player of Habana's calibre, who has given so much to the sport. But in the end, it served the right result. Sometimes (and this can often be the beauty of the sport) the best team doesn't win. On this occasion the Gods of Sport tipped the rugby scales right. With their multi faceted, hyper skilled play, the All Blacks should have won by 20 points. But two was enough.

The Wallabies victory was more clear cut. Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade and his players told the media they would continue to play without fear, throw the ball around and try to score tries. It wasn't just talk. Australia out-scored the Pumas four tries to none, but Argentina tried to create a try every time they touched the ball. Field position? Who cares! The Pumas, and their brilliant fans, take enormous credit for entertaining us with such gusto on Sunday, and throughout this World Cup. But in the end their own sense of adventure would be their downfall. A strangely (by their new Super Mario Ledesma standards) creaking scrum and a limping Israel Folau aside - Australia never looked seriously at risk.

Moving to the final, what is at stake for the All Blacks and what is at stake for the Wallabies are two very different things. If New Zealand lose on Saturday they will have failed. If Australia lose, they will be at the end of a successful campaign. And remember - the best team doesn't always win.

Image of the Week

Evoking memories of Andrew Flintoff and Brett Lee at Edgbaston in 2005? Sonny Bill Williams crouching down to console young Springbok centre Jesse Kriel under his goalposts at full time. Just one of the many reasons why we love this game.

Brickbat

The two blokes sitting next to me at Twickenham who felt the need to get up every 10 minutes and go to the bar, making everyone along the row have to stand, returning exactly 10 minutes later with another tray of pints, making everyone along the row have to stand. EVERY 10 MINUTES. Why don't you smuggle a hip flask in like everyone else? It'll save you loads of cash and you'll stop getting in everyone's way. Tools.

Bouquet

Santiago Cordero. His run back to retrieve a deep Wallaby boot, brilliant spin and clearing kick to avoid the on-rushing Adam Ashley Cooper. A wonderful piece of skill that promoted universal applause from the Twickenham crowd. A bright moment in a heavy Puma defeat.'