The build-up continues - 21/10/2011

As we type this, it's 63 hours until kick-off in rugby's biggest match for 2011; the Rugby World Cup final. We've got friends who are heading up to Auckland tomorrow, and we're not at all jealous; cue Tui billboard!

But first, there's the small matter of the play-off for third and fourth between Australia and Wales. It's the match that no-one wants to be a part of, but in 1987, it provided one of the most memorable matches. On a sunny June afternoon, Rotorua International Stadium was packed beyond capacity, and the crowd roared as Wales snatched a last-gasp 22-21 victory. Two days later, just before the kick-off in the RWC final, two young men carried a banner around Eden park, as you were able to do in those innocent days; it read:

The All Blacks came forth and conquered;
the Australians just came fourth

The All Black team is about to be named, but we'll cover that off seperately. The French have already named their side; the same one as beat Wales last Saturday. The conclusion of RWC2011 draws ever nearer...