@Bullrush, I don't know how it may have happened buddy, but you do understand this is an Aussie site that you have blundered into, don't you? If you are looking for some kind of "rational" expose that Kiwis are better, right now Australia just isn't the place to look for it. We're excited to be in the RWC final, and no we are not going to sit back supporting the Saint Sir Richy blinkers, no matter how rational that may seem to you.
Thanks @dru but I've been here for a number of years now so I know exactly where I am thanks. I didn't ask for any of your support or for any kind of "rational" expose. (You do know that when you put words in " " you are normally quoting someone right? Please quote where I asked for a "rational" expose?!)
I see it as quite even, on form:
Scott Sio vs. Joe Moody AUS
Stephen Moore vs. Dane Coles EVEN
Sekope Kepu vs. Owen Franks AUS
Kane Douglas vs. Brodie Retallick NZ
Rob Simmons vs. Sam Whitelock NZ
Scott Fardy vs. Jerome Kaino AUS
Michael Hooper vs. Richie McCaw EVEN
David Pocock vs. Kieran Read AUS
Will Genia vs. Aaron Smith NZ
Bernard Foley vs. Dan Carter EVEN
Drew Mitchell vs. Julian Savea NZ
Matt Giteau vs. Ma'a Nonu NZ
Tevita Kuridrani vs. Conrad Smith EVEN
Adam Ashley-Cooper vs. Nehe Milner-Skudder EVEN
Isreal Folau vs. Ben Smith NZ
Aus 4 vs. NZ 6. Would be 5-5 if Folau was at his best.
Tatafu Polota-Nau vs. Keven Mealamu AUS
James Slipper vs. Ben Franks EVEN
Greg Holmes vs. Charlie Faumuina EVEN
Dean Mumm vs. Victor Vito EVEN
Sean McMahon vs. Sam Cane EVEN
Nick Phipps vs. Tawera Kerr-Barlow EVEN
Matt To'omua vs. Beauden Barrett EVEN
Kurtley Beale vs. Sonny Bill Williams EVEN
Aus 1 vs. NZ 0
Michael Cheika vs. Steve Hansen EVEN
I might have that NZ team wrong, but that looks like a likely Wobs.
Where I disagree:
Scott Fardy vs. Jerome Kaino NZ - IMO, Fardy is Kaino-lite. He had a massive game against Los Pumas but that's exactly what Kaino brings to the table almost every week. Apart from the yellow card, he was close to the best AB on the park in both the quarter and the semi. Is almost back to 2011 form.
Michael Hooper vs. Richie McCaw NZ - the stats show time and time again the huge amount of work Richie gets through at the breakdown - and the impact he has there - both on offence and defence.
David Pocock vs. Kieran Read AUS - I don't disagree but just wanted to say DAMN YOU POCOCK
Bernard Foley vs. Dan Carter NZ - Carter is almost back to his best and even his shockers don't come close to a bad day out for Foley.
Tevita Kuridrani vs. Conrad Smith NZ - all day, every day - twice in a RWC Final. Especially pairing with Ma'a. I think most rugby pundits outside Australia would take Smith in this situation.
Matt To'omua vs. Beauden Barrett NZ - close but Barrett has done more internationally than To'omua. To'omua is great defensively but I don't think he brings as much to a team and a game as Barrett does.
I think if you take every player at their best, IMO, NZ are better. If you take every player at their worst, I think NZ is a lot better.
If a few of the ABs aren't at their best on Sunday morning though, we could be in for a world of hurt.
Just my perspective anyways