All Blacks prepare to farewell ‘special’ legends after World Cup final

For the likes of Aaron Smith, Dane Coles and Sam Whitelock, this is it. There is no tomorrow in the black jersey for these rugby icons after New Zealand’s clash with South Africa in the World Cup final.

Some genuine legends are looking to end their Test careers on top of the world in Saturday night’s decider at Stade de France. It’ll either be a fairytale finish or their time as All Blacks will end heartbreak.

The All Blacks secured their spot in the sport’s biggest Test with a commanding 44-6 win over Los Pumas in Saint-Denis last week. New Zealand were dominant, but the job is not done yet.

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With Rugby World Cup glory potentially just 80 minutes away, the All Blacks have an opportunity to etch their names into history by becoming the first team to hoist the Webb Ellis Cup four times.

While the All Blacks are clearly not lacking in motivation, assistant coach Jason Ryan revealed the “special part of our week” that is driving this team.

“We’ve talked about farewells. We’ve talked this week about being the best that we can,” Ryan told reporters on Tuesday.

“We had quite a nice night last night as a team and some of our experienced leaders spoke about what it’s been to be an All Black and their previous experiences in World Cups, as well as some of the younger boys.

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“That’s been a special part of our week and it was nice last night listening to some of those guys. Anyone that has played 100 plus Tests, you’ve got some stories haven’t you.”

The All Blacks’ rivalry with the world champion Springboks doesn’t need an introduction. The ferocious nature of this matchup speaks for itself.

It’s quite possibly the greatest international rivalry in the sport. “I just don’t think that there’s that kind of rivalry between two teams that is so intense for 80 minutes and yet so connected afterwards,” former South Africa skipper John Smit said on NZR+.

The Springboks are the defending World Cup winners, and they’re looking to become just the second team to go back-to-back – repeating the feat first achieved by the All Blacks in 2015.

But putting the history of yesteryear aside, this year alone has been a rollercoaster. The All Blacks were clinical in a 35-20 win during The Rugby Championship in Auckland, but the Boks had the last laugh as they handed their rivals a record 35-7 defeat in London two months ago.

“The history is a big part of it. You build that up probably more towards the end of the week. We’ve got to make sure we get our game right first and foremost. We believe we have got a clear plan, then as we get closer to the game, the old mental side of the weeks kicks in,” Ryan added.

“We talked a bit about legacy last week. But it’s no secret it’s been a massive tradition. It’s awesome. You love going to South Africa, being part of the All Blacks and getting into some braai’s (BBQs).

“It’s just a special place to tour and they bring a special part of their game that makes it just a great rivalry. To be doing it in a World Cup final, that’s when you want to be playing, that’s when you want to be coaching. All you want to do is set yourself up for a gold medal.”