ABs need to be 'on the money'
David Pocock, Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy have been in superb form for Michael Cheika's men – who have battled their way past England, Wales, Scotland and Argentina – for a place in the first all-Antipodean RWC final.
Four years ago, Sam Whitelock kept Pocock under lock and key as the All Blacks swatted the Wallabies aside at the semi-final stage of their tournament-winning campaign on home soil. Whitelock said that, similarly to 2011, turnovers and the scrum will be pivotal to determining who comes out on top on Saturday evening.
"We have to make sure we are on the money at the breakdown. It's so important and we have to be on top of our game in that area because we know their back three will be. Putting our best foot forward and getting on top of them will be crucial. The scrum will be key and that's where nailing your recovery becomes important.
"We need to stick to our processes and the coaching we have been given. We know about their threat but it will be about combating that as a team," Whitelock said.
The Crusaders lock said he and his teammates were not feeling the weight of history as they attempt to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time in four years. No team has successfully defended the trophy but Whitelock insisted this All Blacks team have all the attributes to defeat their "special" rivals Australia and become the first side to do so.
"There is pressure involved, but we have plenty of systems in place for that. We are excited by the opportunity and it will be down to how individuals prepare and perform on the day. Comparing four years ago to now, hopefully I have wised up a bit compared to what I was and this final is a different situation now.
"We are aware of the special history between the two sides, but that does not add to the pressure and it is about nailing our week and getting out there on Saturday and doing our jobs. The beauty of this World Cup is that everything that has gone before means very little. It is going to come down to 80 minutes on Saturday," he added.
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