By Matt Majendie
BBC Sport |
New Zealand go into the first World Cup semi-final on Saturday as most people's tip to cruise into the final.
They have dominated previous encounters against Australia, with 75 wins in their previous 118 meetings, but the Wallabies are determined to impress in front of their home crowd.
We look at three key battles that could decide which side books its passage into the final.
George Smith v Richie McCaw
While England's back-row is starting to show its growing years, the combined age of this duo is just 45 - despite them seemingly having been around for years. Smith is just 23, McCaw a year behind at 22, and between them they look set to fight out many more tussles for years to come.
The queue of people lining up to wax lyrical about them is never-ending, and with good reason.
Smith has been a monumental presence in this World Cup, showing great speed in turning defence into attack by stealing opposition ball - something of a terrier at the back of the Wallaby pack.
Last year he was voted the outstanding player in Australian rugby and is close to regaining the accolade this time around.
McCaw is no less efficient in all aspects of the game and revels in scavenging any ball that is in the offing.
Such has been the calibre of his fellow back-row forwards, though, he has not shone with quite the same brightness All Blacks fans have become accustomed to.
Predicted outcome: Smith to shine
George Gregan v Justin Marshall
Marshall and Gregan know each other's habits better than most married couples, having played each other at international level on endless occasions. In the tournament to date, the All Black number nine has looked the stronger of the two. He stuttered at the start of the World Cup but, against Wales and South Africa, he was one of the most influential players on the field.
His distribution was much improved from earlier in the year. He looked to break at every opportunity and, from his body language, looked a far more astute leader on the field than captain Reuben Thorne.
In contrast, Gregan has been heavily criticised almost everywhere, with former scrum-half Nick Farr-Jones among those saying he should be dropped from the Australian line-up altogether.
He may have looked slower than usual and less insightful, but he has experience of winning the World Cup and has a supreme back row to protect him.
Predicted outcome: Marshall magic too much
Wendell Sailor v Joe Rokocoko
There is no doubting either winger's scoring prowess. With the ball in hand, both players can be absolutely devastating. But on present form, Rokocoko is the best winger in world rugby and already has six World Cup tries under his belt.
He has an uncanny ability - perfect for a winger - of finding himself in the right place at the right time, but is as equally destructive when creating opportunities himself.
Who can forget his stunning turn of pace against the Welsh or his trademark pirouette, which could yet get another airing in this tournament?
Defensively Rokocoko has yet to be truly tested. Sailor has, and has been found wanting in that department.
There is no doubting, however, that the former league star is a truly explosive runner when he gets the ball. It remains to be seen whether his opposite number can fell him on Saturday.
Predicted outcome: Rokocoko rollover
MMIX
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