The Wallabies bounced back from their quarter-final jitters to see off the tournament’s dark horse and set up a final with their Bledisloe Cup vanquishers.
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“It’s a great rivalry and clearly we play each other a few times but it’s pretty special to play each other in a World Cup final”. But this is a completely different kettle of fish.
Australia showed signs they are fading against Argentina, who play rugby in a glorious spirit which is how they got this far, and why they haven’t gone any further.
Throughout the semi-final, a subdued Maradona didn’t have the reason or the motivation to get up and frolic with the fans this time around and may think rugby is an almighty bore now after his side couldn’t score a try. We were taking him off because we felt 60 (minutes) was about his duration with that ankle injury, just the fatigue of it. The way the game was going – they were maneuvering us around the back field a bit.
Flanker Michael Hooper said: “We’ve put last Sunday behind us”.
He also identified the scrum and lost turnovers as areas to improve to bring their best rugby to the sport’s biggest stage.
“I guess there was always the possibility (I would miss the game)”, he said.
“In the end it’s about what we do, but we have to make sure we have most of the scenarios covered: Wherever the scrum is, what can they do?” “We’ve only beaten them once in last 10, they’re feeling good, they have our measure”.
“Every game at this level is so hard, when a team like New Zealand have so many threats, are well-drilled, have an excellent coach and are well organised you have to work hard all the time and believe in your own way of playing”. We wouldn’t be a complete unit yet. We have to get our ball carries right and focus on the urgency of our cleaners… that’s what we have to do to the best of our ability. Mitchell sprinted down the left flank, cut inside and wrong-footed four Argentines before selflessly unloading to Ashley-Cooper to touch down.
Hooper also gave credit to David Pocock and the No 8’s fellow backrow forward Scott Fardy, both of whom left the pitch with battered faces. “They are a big part of the team and they can have a big influence on the game”, said Pocock’s back-row colleague Michael Hooper.
The All Blacks will address those leaving the team – including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith – after the test. Being in a final is motivation in itself and the men themselves don’t want to be put on a pedestal, as lock Brodie Retallick said today.
“He doesn’t get a lot of plaudits, but Scott Fardy was outstanding – particularly in defence”, champion five-eighth Michael Lynagh said. The other one’s are old ones.
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“We’ll start reviewing tomorrow or the next day, but tonight I’m really proud of the guys”.
