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Keith Wood's made his Rugby World Cup final prediction as two super powers collide

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood is tipping the All-Blacks to come out on top in a much anticipa...



Keith Wood's made his Rugb...
Rugby

Keith Wood's made his Rugby World Cup final prediction as two super powers collide

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood is tipping the All-Blacks to come out on top in a much anticipated Rugby World Cup final.

Ahead of Saturday's clash, he and The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley joined us on Off The Ball to look ahead to the game. 

Predicting a classic, Keith believes that the All-Blacks will prevail.

"I think it's a New Zealand win and I think it will be over a score. It won't be a couple of points in it. I think by the end of the game, they will have the fresher, fitter players and they have the leadership to go and do it," he said, although he added that he would love to see the "underdog win".

Citing potential Australian fatigue, he added: "If New Zealand can attack and keep the pace of it up so high, it's whether that will burn out an Australian team that has been brave beyond all belief." 

Analysing the Michael Cheika effect and the Wallabies progress, Gerry concluded that, "I think Australia are a really big threat to New Zealand. I think they're the biggest threat they could have faced in this final".

Keith also paid tribute to Felix Jones as the Munster and Ireland player announced his retirement from the game due to injury, highlighting his bravery having fought back from a serious neck injury in 2009.

"It's very, very sad. 28 years of age is far too young to be stopping playing rugby," he said, while Gerry picked out Jones' key attributes and career highlights.

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