All Blacks near date with destiny

In the early hours of Sunday morning (GMT) New Zealand have what they have been searching for for 16 years.  A Rugby World Cup final appearance, and they hoping they can replicate their only triumph in the tournament some 24 years ago in 1987 also held on home soil.

Like most World Cups since they have been hotly tipped to win and steam rolled all before them, but what is different this time is that they haven't imploded.  Despite injuries to Captain Richie McCaw, who has since returned, and Dan Carter who was ruled out of the tournement at the group stage.  In what was their toughest match of the tournament against Australia at the Semi-Final stage, they looked as dominant as ever and produced a wonderful all round performance.

Ma'a Nonu went over early and the All Blacks never looked back, the Centre and Winger one of five southern hemisphere players on the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year.  Two other kiwi's, namely Piri Weepu, who in Carter's ansence has been largely trusted with kicking duties, and Jerome Kaino.  David Pocock and Will Genia of Australia are the other's from the southern hemisphere, while France can take some hope from the fact the man making up the list is their captain Thierry Dusautoir.

No one really gives Les Blues a chance, which could just work in their favour.  Many quarters claim they don't deserve to be in the final, while Fly-Half Morgan Parra say's it is "France against the World."

It has not always been plain sailing in this tournament though, if fact some might say far from it.  Coach Marc Lievremont has come out with some rather interesting comments throughout the tournament, after group stage defeats to New Zealand and Tongo, Quarter-Final victory over England and in this week's build up.

However could this negativity have really helped, after all this is their first final appearance in 12 years.  Dimitri Yachvili, French Scrum-Half, claims this side is now like a family, while Vincent Clerc has pleaded not too underestimate this France side.

Despite this though it is nard to look past the hosts, who have threw a terrific World Cup, and whose only victory in a final on the World Stage was against France at Eden Park, this site of the years finale.  Coach Graham Henry is stepping down after the final, it is almost like it is written in the stars.

Come back next week for a World Cup round up, while Sports Portal will also be making it's first trip to take in Guinnes Premiership action.