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Gearing up for the RWC Final
posted: 25 October 2011 Sport Thought … with Brent Eastwood
24 years ago, when I was 24 years of age, I sat in the Eastern terraces of Eden Park and watched the All Blacks demolish France in the final of the Rugby World Cup.
This weekend I will again sit at the eastern end of the ground (although in a much more modern structure) and watch the same teams do battle in the final of the 2011 version of the same tournament – and hopefully with the same result!
As we all know only too well, there has been a ton of heartache over those last 24 years as the All Blacks have fallen short of the coveted prize on five separate occasions.
But that semi against the Aussies showed that we have a marvellous blend of youth and experience in the current All Black side – enough of them who know what it felt like in 2007, but also enough youth to throw off the shackles and just play what is in front of them. It was a fearless display in front of very passionate home crowd.
I’m sure this weekend will be no different. The All Blacks will know that they will need to front up again and play to the same level, because we all know what the French can do to us if we take them too lightly.
I just hope the country enjoys the feeling that these All Blacks have given us all with their win against Aussie, while at the same time respecting France in the knowledge that to make a final of the World Cup, you have to have something that makes you a good team. Yes we should win, but stranger things have happened in sport.
If winning the World Cup was easy we would have a lot more titles than just the first one. Yes luck is required – just ask Wales – but you also have to put yourself in the position to receive that bit of luck.
I believe that is just what the three wise men have done, and that we will see the World Cup come home to its rightful place this weekend. After the horror year that the country has had to endure, it would only be justice if it happens.
Just to cap off the co-incidences, how about this for a score line for this Sunday - All Blacks 29 France 9.
Sport Thought … with Brent Eastwood
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