Jones backs All Blacks to pip it
"I think New Zealand will make it home in less than five points. It will be close," the former Wallabies coach said.
Jones, who took his native Australia to the 2003 final and was South Africa's assistant coach in their 2007 World Cup triumph, is tipping the All Blacks to win their second successive title after New Zealand edged South Africa by two points in a tough semi-final.
He said Australia are not far off but felt his old team could have been more clinical against Argentina in their contest. The arch enemies will be meeting in the final for the first time – both are making their fourth trip to the final, a competition record.
"New Zealand, they played against a South Africa team that played their best 40 minutes in the first half. To win that game to me was very impressive. They really stuck it out and showed belief in their own game. It was a very good performance.
"Australia, I thought, would always win but kept inviting Argentina back into the game. They were a little bit loose and gave the Argentinians a chance. It was still a very good win by the Australians. They had a very good second half, not so much the first half.
"Both teams will go into the final full of confidence. There's not much between them," he added.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer raved about the current New Zealand team, describing them as the best of all time. Jones stopped short of agreement but did say Steve Hansen's All Blacks are certainly in the argument.
"If you just look at the stats, then they are [the best ever]. Their Test match record is so good, no other team in the sporting world – not just rugby – have a record like them. So if you just look at that, they're certainly right up there with the best of them," he stated.
Jones picked out Dan Carter and Ma'a Nonu as the key men for the holders and scrumhalf Will Genia for Australia – who the new Stormers coach said is a legitimate game-changer.
"I think Nonu going forward at 12 is important, so they won't play too lateral. Carter and Nonu give them carrier options as well.
"The guy for me who has to step up for Australia is [Will] Genia. He had an outstanding second half [against Argentina]. He can run, he can kick and was really instrumental to their win. If he plays really well, he can stifle New Zealand's game and give Australia a chance," Jones said.
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