text: Interesting question, there are a few things to consider.\n\n1. Australia seem to be testing players in certain positions.  In the spring/autumn test series they have shown players cannot play in certain positions.\n\n2. New Zealand seem to fall short of their postential in World Cups.  They won the first RWC, but have failed to win any others.  Some will say they were poisoned in South Africa in 1999, but there is no evidence of this.\n\n3. What stage of the tournament Australia meets New Zealand (Al Blacks).  If it is in a semi final, NZ may have peaked too early, and are starting to fade.\n\nFor Australia to beat New Zealand the three things above need to happen.\n1. Australia finds depth for their squad, especially in key areas.\n2 & 3. New Zealand peaks too early and the team is starting to fade for the semi finals.