After a turbulent 18 months, the All Blacks have defied critics to book their spot in the Rugby World Cup final — and deservedly so.
They will reignite one of the greatest rugby rivalries when they face defending champions South Africa at Stade de France, in Paris, on Sunday morning.
Both teams had vastly different roads to the final in a lopsided draw.
The All Blacks were brutal in thumping Argentina 44-6 on Saturday, while the Springboks were tested and came from behind, led by their experience off the bench, to steal a 16-15 win against England yesterday morning.
World Cup finals always bring out the best in both teams, but this year is scripted for redemption.
It would be a remarkable turnaround for All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who has copped his fair share of criticism in the past few years for their struggles, and a lovely swansong to see him out as he steps down from the role following the final.
Captain Sam Cane has already silenced critics after his monster shift in the quarterfinal, but leading the team to victory would be another nod to his character, after people called for him to be stripped of the captaincy throughout the cycle.
There is also the eagerness to reverse the All Blacks’ record 35-7 loss to the Springboks in Twickenham in August and send those outgoing loyal servants of the black jersey, Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, out on a high.
It is also a chance for redemption from the last time the two met in a World Cup final in 1995 — and the infamous poisoning scandal — when the All Blacks lost 15-12 to the Springboks in Johannesburg.
No matter what happens, it will be a game worthy of a World Cup final.
