John O'Neill tips a hotly-contested final between rivals Australia and New Zealand in this year's World Cup final.
Wallabies hope to meet the All Blacks in World Cup final
John O'Neill has confidently tipped a hotly-contested final between fierce rivals Australia and New Zealand in this year's World Cup final.
Despite mixed fortunes for the Wallabies, with a defeat to England followed by an emphatic victory over France in the autumn internationals, confidence is high that Australia impress during the showpiece event.
And although Australian Rugby Union chief O'Neill has been coy over who will win the Webb Ellis Trophy, he is positive the Wallabies will be in the final.
"I think our prospects for World Cup 2011 are really encouraging," O'Neill said.
"No one is sitting here saying we are going to win it.
"My prediction is we will make the final and play all the All Blacks. As to who might win the final, well, we'll come to that."
On current form, New Zealand have the clear advantage - having won record 10th consecutive match against their rivals.
Developing
O'Neill, though, remains unconcerned by that unwanted run - as well as the defeat to England - as he is pleased with the way the squad has been developing.
And O'Neill has even compared the current side to the 1999 World Cup-winning squad coached by Rod Macqueen.
"If I look at the '99 team and the players who had the X Factor, (captain John) Eales, (Tim) Horan, (George) Gregan, (Stephen) Larkham, Matt Burke," he said.
"It would be hard to argue that Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor don't have the X Factor."
The emergence of several talented backs has pleased O'Neill, but he admitted there are still problems with the Wallabies front row.
"The caveat I've got on our prospects is that it won't be razzle dazzle. 2007 reminded us that this is a tournament," he said in reference to Australia's World Cup quarter-final loss to England.
