JOHN MEHAFFEY, Cardiff | Friday 11.30am.
WITH perfect timing the elements of form, fitness, organisation and luck have combined for Australia to make them deserved favourites for Saturday’s World Cup final against France. Their immediate concern is coping with opponents who can make a mockery of any form guide, throwing logic out of the window and playing with a brio and bravado beyond the reach of any other nation.
“We have done our homework on France now,” Macqueen said. “And the more we look at them the better they are.They are a team that has skill and the ability to attack other teams’ weaknesses.
The Wallabies are now on course to become the first team to win the World Cup twice, while France want to be the first norhtern hemisphere team to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy.
The Wallabies have the tightest defence in the world, conceding just one try in seven hours of rugby at the current tournament thanks.
They also use their replacements more effectively than other teams, with Macqueen placing the emphasis on a 22-man squad system rather than just the starting line-up.
Tim Horan has been an immense presence at centre and flyhalf Stephen Larkham, after a slow start, is now showing just what a talented footballer he is, dropping an immense goal in the 27-21 semifinal defeat of defending champions South Africa.
Toutai Kefu, one of Macqueen’s potential matchwinners, is an impact player with the same importance to Australia as Jonah Lomu has to New Zealand and he will run hard and wide at the French backs as the Australians seek to exploit any defensive frailties.
France have the difficult task of summoning the same passion they brought to their shock New Zealand defeat last weekend.
They beat Australia in their 1987 semifinal before losing to New Zealand in the final and their overall record against the Wallabies is good with each team winning 13 matches. — Reuters
Longer previews:
The final we deserve by ANDY CAPOSTAGNO.
* Strengths and weaknesses of finalists
* Aussies, French both aim to make history
* Larkham finally happy at flyhalf
* Kefu key to Australian victory
* Benazzi eager to erase painful memories
* Herbert, quiet achiever of Australia backs
* The tale of two stand-offs, Galthie and Larkham