VIDEO: The wet-weather Final no one wants
Paris is putting on her winter coat for the World Cup Final – temperatures dropping into the mid-teens, with lots of cloud cover and periods of rain.
These wet and treacherous weather conditions are expected to continue into Saturday – when there will be showers, as well as being cloudy and breezy.
That is not a climate conducive to a free-flowing World Cup Final.
South Africa and New Zealand, both chasing a record fourth title, go head-to-head at Stade de France on Saturday.
However, the conditions will, inevitably, impact on the quality of the game.
All Black defence coach Scott McLeod played down the impact of the rainy weather, suggesting they are fully prepared for whatever mother nature throws at them.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said, when asked if they will adjust their tactics to suit the wet conditions.
“We know the way we want to play and we have trained the skillset to function in the wet.
“Most grounds that we have come have had some dew or wetness on the ground.
“We have been able to handle that.”
(Springbok attack coach Felix Jones speaks about the importance of a sound kicking game in wet weather in the World Cup Final…)
Springbok attack coach Felix Jones admitted the All Blacks’ improved kicking game could be a factor, especially given how the Boks struggled at a wet Stade de France against England in the semifinal last week.
Jones said the introduction of Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan contributed to “many good developments” in the All Black game.
“There has been development in their kicking game,” he said.
“The way they put you under pressure, not only with their passing game, but their ability to also to use the ball off of their foot.
“I would say those two areas would be key.”
Turning to the Boks’ struggles against England, he said credit must go to the opposition.
“The execution of their [kicking game] and execution under pressure was incredible,” he said of England last week.
“Alex Mitchell kicked the ball incredibly well, really accurately. Owen Farrell also put the ball in behind us really intelligently.
“So I think it was more of a reflection of the execution and intensity at which England brought to the party last week.
“The conditions made things really tricky.
“I’m not sure if it showed on the TV but the ball was extremely wet.
“It was lashing with rain.”
(All Black defence coach Scott McLeod talks about tactics for a wet-weather World Cup Final…)
McLeod said the Boks’ kicking game will also present a challenge.
“We haven’t encountered a lot of that so that is something we will build on his week,” he said of the Bok tactics and the wet weather.
“They are very good at getting into the air and getting the ball back.
“They do get excited about the turnover ball – they put it into space behind, spread it wide and play from there.
“They have scored tries from their aerial stuff.
“We will be building our detail into how we can win those moments.”
Speaking about the history between the two arch-rivals – more than a century of rivalry – Jones said they haven’t focussed on that much.
“I don’t think it’s something that’s been thrown around too much early in the week,” the Bok attack coach said.
“But I think everyone knows and everyone has it in their mind, they are conscious of the rivalry.
“They are conscious of the rivalry, they are conscious this is another time we will meet New Zealand in the Final.
“It drives excitement and it adds to the occasion.”
McLeod described the rivalry as “massive”.
“I remember touring there many years ago and the passion of the people blew me away.
“They were very competitive and they were in your face, but as soon as the whistle went they were some of the best to socialise with and have a barbecue or a braai and a beer.
“That respect has never gone away and I doubt it ever will between the All Blacks and the South Africans and it is something we treasure. Yeah, good men.”
All Black scrum coach Jason Ryan said the history (read rivalry) between the two countries is a big part of it.
“You build that up probably more towards the end of the week,” Ryan said.
“We’ve got to make sure we get our game right first and foremost.
“We believe we have got a clear plan, then as we get closer to the game, the old mental side of the weeks kicks in.
“We talked a bit about legacy last week.
“But it’s no secret it’s been a massive tradition.
“It’s awesome.
“You love going to South Africa, being part of the All Blacks and getting into some braais.
“It’s just a special place to tour and they bring a special part of their game that makes it just a great rivalry.
“To be doing it in a World Cup final, that’s when you want to be playing, that’s when you want to be coaching.
“All you want to do is set yourself up for a gold medal.”
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