The All Blacks’ 20-6 demolition of the Wallabies, their archrivals, and France’s controversial 9-8 victory over Wales on Saturday set up a repeat of the 1987 final — the only time New Zealand has won the Webb Ellis Cup.
New Zealand, which defeated France, 37-17, earlier in this tournament, has had agonizing Cup defeats to the French — in the 1999 semifinals and in the 2007 quarterfinals. The All Blacks will face France on Sunday.
New Zealand took its chances Sunday. From the moment the Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper botched the kickoff, the All Blacks took control.
They dominated territory, were far more effective with the ball than the Wallabies, squeezed Australia in the set piece and won the breakdown battle.
It did not matter that the All Black goalkickers Piri Weepu and Aaron Cruden missed five shots between them, because Australia was rattled and never looked as if it could win. - http://www.nytimes.com
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