All Blacks rival class of '87 - Farr-Jones

Former Australia captain Nick Farr-Jones believes the current New Zealand team that will play in Sunday's World Cup final against France stands comparison with the All Blacks side that won the inaugural edition of rugby's showpiece tournament back in 1987.

The 2011 All Blacks swept aside Australia 20-6 in last weekend's semi-finals and are overwhelming favourites to defeat a France team that only scraped past 14-man Wales 9-8 in an all European last four encounter.

"It is worth reflecting that in past Rugby World Cups, only one team stood head and shoulders above the pack," former Wallaby captain Farr-Jones wrote in Tuesday's New Zealand Herald. AUCKLAND, Wednesday (AFP)