Rugby WC: New Zealand gear up for Australia in final

Twickenham (United Kingdom): Richie McCaw will lead New Zealand’s charge for a place among rugby’s all-time greats on Saturday when they battle Australia in the World Cup final at Twickenham.

 

A convincing win over Michael Cheika’s reborn Wallabies to become the first country to win two straight world titles — and three in all — could see the All Blacks acclaimed as the best of all time.

 

A titanic battle is guaranteed for the 80,000-plus crowd who will witness the first final between two sides who have dominated rugby’s showpiece since it started in 1987. At least one of them has been in every final, except 2007. Never together though.

 

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is banking on the experience of McCaw, Dan Carter and Ma’a Nonu.  McCaw is at his fourth World Cup and led New Zealand to their narrow 8-7 win over France in the 2011 final. “He’s probably the greatest player we’ve had play the game, certainly from New Zealand anyway,” the coach said.