The All Blacks‘ supporting lines could swing the pendulum the way of New Zealand in the World Cup final against Australia on Saturday according to Mike Tindall.
The Wallabies saw their defensive line broken twelve times against Argentina in the semi-finals but the Pumas failed to capitalise on it and eventually went down 29-15.
But Tindall, a 2003 World Cup winner, reckons the All Blacks have what it takes to make the best of any given opportunity and retain the Webb Ellis trophy.
“Australia will have to be at their very best to beat the All Blacks but they’ve already done this year,” Tindall told The Rugby Paper.
“Their back row has been amazing with David Pocock showing how good he is over the ball. He works really well with Micheal Hooper and Scott Fardy.
“The Wallabies defence has been outstanding but Argentina have shown you can find gap. Their scramble defence saved them and that says a lot about their team spirit.
“But I think New Zealand will have the supporting players to finish the job and win them the game.
“New Zealand have probably earned to win another World Cup for what they’ve done over the past eight years but there’s no way Australia are just going to give it to them.”
The All Blacks are unchanged for Saturday’s final with the 23 men who beat South Africa in the semi-finals named once again by head coach Steve Hansen.
Meanwhile, Australia have recalled Scott Sio at loosehead in the only change to their starting XV
The Brumbie missed the semi-final against Argentina with an elbow injury but he has been passed fit and replaces James Slipper in the No.1 jersey.
In the back line, Israel Folau and Matt Giteau also get a start despite having struggled with niggles.
New Zealand: Ben Smith; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.
Australia: Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (c), Sekope Kepu; Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons; Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock.
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, 9 Dean Mumm, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.
*Mike Tindall is a rugby brand ambassador for leading online sports betting operator Betway. Betway offer more than 30,000 markets, available live and in-play across a huge range of sports.
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