All Blacks in sight of World Cup

New Zealand was at peace with itself Monday after the All Blacks savaged Australia to power into a World Cup final where they will start as overwhelming favourites against France.

This rugby-obsessed nation was on edge ahead of Sunday's semi-final, fretting over 24 years without the Webb Ellis Cup and concerns regarding the fitness of hero captain Richie McCaw. But the All Blacks swept away any doubts with a masterful 20-6 defeat of the Wallabies to set-up what will be a re-match of the inaugural World Cup final this coming Sunday which, then as now, was staged at Eden Park.

AUCKLAND, Monday AFP