Rugby World Cup Final - Staff predictions

All Blacks and Wallabies pack down a scrum (Photosport file)

Michelle Pickles – 3 News Sport

All Blacks 25 - 19.

I believe it's going to be a real battle against the Aussies, but the depth on the All Blacks bench will be the difference. ABs for the win.

 

Chris Forster – Radio LIVE Sports Editor

The All Blacks to beat the Wallabies, 31-16.

A dry track and superior bench will see NZ finish strongly and lock away the RWC trophy for four more years.

 

Jeremy Corbett – 7 Days

100-nil to the All Blacks. Cos just imagine.

 

Mike Puru – The Edge

26 - 19 to All Blacks.

The Aussies will be fighters - out to prove their worth, so I think they will manage a couple of tries and the All Blacks will manage 3 tries - give or take a few misses from Dan, due to nerves , and maybe a drop goal and 26 - 19 will be the result - well hopefully !

 

Sharyn Casey – The Edge

My pick is 21-14 to the All Blacks, I chose this score because it was the first score I could think of and Sam Ackerman told me it was a possible score. As long as the AB's win I am happy - even if it's by half a point, is that a thing? Can they win by half a point?

 

Sam Ackerman – 3 News Sport

All Blacks 32-Australia 19

It will be tight for most of the game until the All Blacks bench turns the final and a more enjoyable last few minutes than 2011.

 

John Day – Radio LIVE Sport

The All Blacks will be fresher than the Wallabies who've gone through four tough test matches in a row to reach the final, and the ABs also have the best bench in world rugby. 23-16 to the All Blacks.

 

David Di Somma - 3 News Sport

All Blacks 31 Wallabies 21.

Wallabies will tire in last 20 after the pool of death, and Argentina. The All Blacks only get into top gear in the last quarter.

 

I say All Blacks by 15, not because it's a rational prediction but because that's the kind of thumping I want them to give the Wallabies. Australia just hasn't been that cool to us lately. 

 

Nate Rarere – Radio LIVE

All Blacks win by 12 - coz Pocock isn't the ENTIRE Australian team.

 

Simon Shepherd – 3 News

Wallabies! Because they've got the roll on and you need one uppity Australian to buck the trend! Tight though, 28-25.

 

Ross Karl – 3 News Sport

I think the All Blacks will win by about 10 points. That’s a try and a penalty better than Australia but I expect it to be close throughout. Generally finals are lower scoring than other games, so with the All Blacks containing more strike weapons, expect one big play from one of them to be the major difference.

 

Ashlee Tulloch – 3 News Sport

All Blacks by five.

It won’t be pretty, finals rugby never is, but the All Blacks have had an exceptional campaign this World Cup, on top of the last four years in the lead up to this tournament.

With the emotion of so many players bowing out – combined with the calibre of the team, on the turf and on the bench. It’s their match to lose.

 

Simon Hampton – 3 News Sport

All Blacks to win 36-29. There are too many legends retiring for the All Blacks not to win this final.

 

Greg Pearson – 3 News Sport

All Blacks to win in a penalty shoot-out.  That’s right, they have them in rugby.  Look it up.  Richie will nail his droppy to win it, have another three-way handshake and lift the cup.

 

Nick Bewley – Radio LIVE Sport

22-19 All Blacks.

Wallabies to start with a flurry, but as has been the case throughout the tournament, the All Blacks finish strongly.

 

Andrew Gourdie – 3 News Sport

All Blacks 18-12.

But frankly I'll take a win by any margin given I'm watching the game with my die-hard Wallaby-supporting mother-in-law!

 

Tony Wright – 3 News Sport

Expecting a very tight game, with very few tries and a couple of drop goals sure to be pivotal.

History shows very few tries in World Cup Finals, but I’m expecting the All Blacks to at least score two, one in each half, while the Wallabies will score one.

Final score: All Blacks 24 – Wallabies 13

 

Ross McNaughton - 3 News Sport

All Blacks 27-18. Having so many veterans with experience from the 2011 final will help win it for the All Blacks. 

Aaron Smith had his worst test when the Wallabies beat the All Blacks in Sydney earlier this year, he's back to top form and will be vital.

 

Samantha Hayes – Newsworthy

100-nil to the All Blacks

 

Jim Kayes – 3 News Sport

All Blacks 32-16.

 

Bryce Casey – The Rock

ABs 29-21

 

Who are you picking, and by how much? Have your say below:

 

3 News

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