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A look ahead to Saturday's 2015 Rugby World Cup final where New Zealand are aiming to become the first team to defend the trophy when they meet Australia in front of a sell-out Twickenham crowd. The tournament has once again been dominated by the southern hemisphere nations, with South Africa beating Argentina in the third-place play-off.
Script:
Saturday's 2015 Rugby World Cup final isn't just a battle between the world's two greatest teams. It's confirmation that the southern hemisphere continues to dominate the international game.
World number one's New Zealand are vying to become the maiden team to defend the trophy when they meet fierce rivals Australia in front of a sell-out Twickenham crowd.
But history has already been made. The semi-finals didn't feature a European country for the first time in the tournament's history, with Argentina and South Africa -- who went on to finish third -- making up the last four.
Springboks flanker Schalk Burger and Pumas head coach Daniel Hourcade agree the future's bright for nations south of the equator:
SOUNDBITE (English) Schalk Burger, South Africa flanker:
"I was really pleased to get the result. I've pretty much seen it all at World Cups. I've done two quarter-finals, a gold medal and a bronze medal, so I'm proud of the group of guys here. They really wanted to win tonight for group. At the moment, as I mentioned earlier, I've got a big first and I want to drink some of Britain's finest lager."
Hourcade pointed out 'Argentina are a really young team and they're talented technically'. He went on to say 'they need experience and more playing time in competitions like the Rugby Championship and Super 15 but that he sees a great future for this team'.
The All Blacks are clear favourites to become the only country to lift the World Cup trophy three times, having only lost once in their past 12 clashes with the Wallabies.
That hasn't dampened the rivalry between the two heavyweights though. Australia's colours have been projected onto the Sydney Opera House while Auckland's Sky Tower flickered black and white.
What's more, the two nation's national airlines have agreed a wager that their crews will wear opposing rugby jerseys on Monday should their team lose in London.
Regardless of the result, with record ticket sales, attendance and TV audiences, the eighth World Cup has taken rugby to new heights.
UPSOUND: (English) Wallabies fan, no name given:
"... Lots of jovial chats about 50-0 scores but I'm not sure which way."
UPSOUND (English) New Zealand fans, no names given:
"Go the All Blacks!"
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Rugby World Cup final: southern hemisphere's dominance continues
Sunday, November 01 2015Category:Rugby