After some of the best knockout rugby the World Cup has ever seen, either New Zealand or South Africa will be crowned world champions at the Stade de France on Saturday.
The All Blacks cruised into the final courtesy of a 44-6 resounding victory over Argentina in last week's first semi-final.
Reigning world champions South Africa, meanwhile, went to the edge of elimination but brought themselves back from the brink to beat England 16-15 in a thriller.
The southern hemisphere powerhouses have provided some historic contests in the past and Saturday night is unlikely to disappoint as they do battle for the Webb Ellis Cup.
- New Zealand -2 handicap
- Will Jordan anytime tryscorer
- Under 4.5 tries
All Blacks Can Regain World Title
Fine margins will likely decide Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France.
But one key factor might well be that New Zealand have had an extra 24 hours to rest and recover after their comfortable Friday night win over Argentina.
The All Blacks didn’t have to hit anywhere near top gear to see off the Pumas in their semi-final and should have plenty left in the tank for Saturday's title decider.
South Africa, on the other hand, had to go to the well on numerous occasions a week ago to dig out an epic comeback victory over England.
Steve Borthwick’s Red Rose threw everything at the Boks and were leading up until the final couple of minutes, only for Handre Pollard's long-range penalty to break English hearts. But there is no doubt that the gruelling semi-final will have taken plenty out of South Africa.
With that in mind, a fresher New Zealand, who have won their last two competitive meetings with South Africa, can come out on top and cover a two-point handicap.
Jordan Can Add To Try Tally
Will Jordan has been one of the stars of the World Cup and, with eight tries to his name already, he looks set to finish as the tournament's top tryscorer.
The Crusaders flyer has been prolific on the right wing for the All Blacks and his support lines mean he invariably finds himself on the end of breaks from his team-mates.
With a remarkable 31 tries in 30 appearances for his country, it would be no surprise to see the 25-year-old Jordan add to his tally against the Boks this weekend.
WILL JORDAN ANYTIME TRY SCORER
Jordan in superb form
Tries To Be A Premium
When it comes to Rugby World Cup finals, tries usually come at a premium.
Going back to the first rugby union World Cup in 1987, there have been just 11 tries scored in seven title deciders.
Even if Jordan crosses the whitewash for New Zealand, don’t expect a host of tries to be scored under the lights at the Stade de France, where penalties seem set to play a key role.
Given there has been an average of 1.57 tries per final since 1987, going low on a total tries line of 4.5 in this year's showpiece might well be the way to go.
All Blacks vs Springboks Teams
All Blacks: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Tele’a, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
Springboks: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Bench: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jasper Wiese, 23 Willie le Roux
