Andrew Mulligan: All Blacks have it on paper

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw leads the team out onto Twickenham. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Men in black hold edge in most key battles Jerome Kaino's precision at ruck time will be crucial as Pocock, Hooper and Fardy will punish any mistakes.

The best way to break down the Rugby World Cup final is to not focus on the breakdown because (and we've been a little guilty of this) the focus needs to be on all parts of the team functioning at the highest possible level.

Fullbacks

The artist formerly known as Israel Folau (TAFKAIF) is gimpy on a bung ankle (official medical diagnosis) and while he can be destructive from the back, give me Ben Smith any day. He's proved that his kick-chasing and support lines are second to none and his switch with Nehe Milner-Skudder when the Springboks attacked the little Turbo was instrumental.

Advantage All Blacks

Wings

Wings never seem to have a good time of it against South Africa. Julian Savea is Lomu-esque in the sense that he too has never dotted down against them. But oh my goodness did Milner-Skudder love playing the Wallabies this southern season and he is a leading line breaker at the tournament, and while Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell are experienced and crafty, they're not elusive or devastating.

Advantage All Blacks

Centres

Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu are like Frank Bunce and Walter Little in the sense they're "Lithe and Bumps"; a wonderful organising combination based on years of experience together. Matt Giteau and Tevita Kuridrani are like the lolly mix that is cheaper but it's nothing on the party pack that you're used to.

Advantage All Blacks

Halves

Aaron Smith is the world's best halfback and Will Genia was, but both rely on quick recycling of the ball, which the South Africans slowed really well by keeping the ball carrier upright as much as possible, and the ball rolled out of the ruck for Smith like it was covered in tar. However with two scavengers like Michael Hooper and David Pocock that won't happen but security will be an issue. Bernard Foley has been a revelation for Australia but it's Dan Carter's cup and this is his destiny.

Advantage All Blacks

Loose forwards

Jerome Kaino is the key for the All Blacks as the little things will be big and his clean up and clear out at ruck time will be crucial. Kieran Read is due to have a big game with ball security and while he and McCaw are turning the ball over well, they're not Pocock. Hooper and Fardy are the perfect balance for the David Attenborough fan. As long as McCaw isn't hunting alone in the savannah it will be tight but on previous form it goes to Aussie.

Advantage Wallabies

Second row

Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick are shaded in size by Dean Mumm and Rob Simmons but lineout work and ball-carrying versatility of the All Blacks pair is second to none. Being big is no longer a deciding attribute (just ask England) and the Wallabies second row isn't as dynamic.

Advantage All Blacks

Front row

"All eight push straight" is the best thing that has come out of the Wallabies' scrum revival thanks to Mario Ledesma. The loss of Tony Woodcock is big but the ability of the "8 versus 8" begins and ends on the hit and push. Fitness of frontliners is crucial here but the advantage goes to the All Blacks because of Dane Coles' all round game.

Advantage All Blacks ... just

Bench

One thing that must be noted here is the trust and acceptance of Sonny Bill Williams of his role and the way he goes about his work when introduced, sorry, unleashed in the second half.

All Blacks, all day

Coaching

Michael Cheika is great and is probably a great contrast from Nathan Grey and Stephen Larkham but the All Blacks have years of international experience behind them and have planned and executed these knockout games superbly with miserly defence.

Advantage All Blacks