Rugby analyst predicts world cup final to be decided by drop kicks

This weekend the All Blacks take on defending champions South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup - in what should be a titanic clash between two of the sport's most successful teams.

The Southern Hemisphere sides have won three world cups a-piece and have one of the longest and most hard fought rivalries in all of international sport.

Rugby pundit and comedian extraordinaire James Nokise joined 531pi’s Pacific Mornings to preview the match.

He says it's clear the New Zealand side has turned bounced back strongly after opening the Rugby World Cup with a muddled performance, losing 27-13 to tournament hosts France.

“For anyone who’s been watching the All Blacks and seen their struggles, but as you’ve seen in the last few weeks - they’ve clicked.

“They’ve figured it out. They took their time, but I think we can all agree, they’ve definitely got their combinations to work. They look sharp, they look focused and they’re not going to be taken by surprise like last time.”

The All Blacks have named one change to their team with Sam Whitelock, the most-capped player in the team's history with 152 appearances, moving to the reserves, and Brodie Retallick coming into the starting team.

Nokise says the switch will allow Whitelock to act as a counter to the Springboks’ strong bench forwards, who have been able to turn the game for the South Africans throughout the world cup.

[Whitelock is] the first [male] player to play in three world cup finals - so when he finally comes on field he’ll get a big ovation and he’ll be going all out.”

The Springboks have named five changes to its matchday 23. Halfback Faf de Klerk and first-five Handre Pollard are the two changes to the starting line-up, while coach Jacques Nienaber has reverted to a 7-1 split of forwards and backs for its substitutes bench.

Nokise says this tactic indicates how South Africa intends to play, but its also a strategy the All Blacks should be prepared for.

“Neither of these teams have any secrets left,” he says.

“As useful as that 7-1 bench has been for South Africa, it won’t be anything that the All Blacks haven’t already seen and they’ll be ready for it.

“South Africa’s main tactic is to wear down the opposition and that’s the whole point behind the 7-1 bomb squad [which is the nickname of their bench].

“I think it’s going to be a real tight game - possibly 28-28 and then decided by a drop goal.”

Nokise also gave his take on the recently announced Nations Championship, which will be a 12-team men's rugby tournament to occur biennially, but controversially doesn’t include teams like Samoa and Tonga.

“When we talk about our Pacific teams, we have to remember that Fiji has earned its spot in this competition but I do think this is a slap in the face for Samoa and Tonga.

“To me it kneecaps all the political work Bill Beaumont (current chairman of World Rugby) has been doing in the region.”

Nokise, with his tongue firmly in his cheek, also wanted to remind Pacific rugby fans to see if their pastor could arrange viewing options for the final - so they don’t have to miss church.

“I just want to say good luck to all our Pacific communities who are trying to balance that church sport life - and my thoughts and prayers to the many Pacific church ministers who will be delaying their services so they can watch the game."