Rugby World Cup Schedule 2015: Live Stream, TV Info and Kick-off Time for Final
After six weeks of gruelling competition, the 2015 Rugby World Cup rushes to its conclusion as New Zealand tackle Australia in the final at Twickenham.
The superpowers of the sport from the southern hemisphere were many peoples' early favourites to win the Webb Ellis Trophy, and the All Blacks and Wallabies made no mistake in setting up their encounter.
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However, both nations faced tricky semi-finals—as South Africa and Argentina tested the sides to the limits.
The New Zealanders eventually edged out the Springboks by the narrowest of margins, winning 20-18, while the Pumas showed great resolve before being run over by the motivated Aussies 29-15.
Here are the details for Saturday's World Cup final, including streaming and TV information for your territory:
| Saturday, Oct. 31 | 4 p.m. GMT/12 p.m. ET | New Zealand vs. Australia |
Live Stream (TV Info): ITV Player (UK, ITV), Universal Sports (US), Fox Sports (AUS, Fox Sports 2), Sky Go (NZ, Sky Sport 1), SuperSport (SA, SuperSport 1)
World Cup Final Preview
A World Cup final at Twickenham deserved a northern hemisphere representative at the spiritual home of the game, but the All Blacks and Aussies have once again proved they are a cut above the rest when it comes to tournament rugby.
Both finalists are undefeated since landing on English soil, but the Kiwis suffered a scare in the semi as they were stretched, whereas the Australians found another gear when it mattered most.
The All Blacks have only lost three times since capturing the last World Cup on home soil in 2011, according to Jaydee Dyer of the Guardian. However, the Wallabies are the current holders of the Rugby Championship, beating New Zealand on their way to glory earlier this year.
Despite their usual dominance, the All Blacks have made a habit of choking at the wrong time in years gone by. However, Australia have won two of their three World Cups on British soil, and they will look to make it a hat-trick of successes in the UK.
New Zealand hold a dominant overall record against the Wallabies, and they are historically the superior nation. The All Blacks have beaten their foes 105 times in their 154 contests, while the Aussies hold just 42 victories, as cited by RugbyWorldCup.com.
BBC Sport asked if New Zealand could raise the bar at the final, and further their legend:
Even though they were severely tested by the South Africans, the All Blacks will field an unchanged side for Saturday's final, as Dan Carter looks to add a World Cup medal to his collection of honours before bowing out of the Test arena, as reported by BBC Sport.
Carter missed the success in 2011 due to injury, but he gets the opportunity to atone for the disappointment when he steps onto the pitch in London.
BBC Sport's chief sports writer, Tom Fordyce called Carter "perfect" before the final, and speculated if the player could end his career in the manner it should:
New Zealand legend Richie McCaw is also expected to end his illustrious international career after captaining his side record-breaking number of times, but he refused to confirm his retirement, preferring to stay focused on the match, per BBC Sport:
"I've purposely not gone into that because I wanted to make sure I do this and not get all hung up on what could be and what might be. This tournament I was keen to turn up here as though I was going to play games to come.
I have to make a decision when I get home. It's something down the track - I just want to play on Saturday the best I can.
You still do the same things as though you are going to play for years to come, not think this is the last time.
"
Australia have brought prop Scott Sio back into the team for the match after missing the semi-final with a damaged elbow, as confirmed by BBC Sport. His recall denies James Slipper the chance to start the final.
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika was in buoyant mood ahead of the contest, and said his side are ready to face the team who are the standard bearers of the game, per BBC Sport:
"We'll be doing our best to make Australia proud of its rugby team.
This week we've had a strong focus on improving certain areas in our game where we feel we haven't been at our best in the previous matches.
We still have lots of scope to improve and we'll work on that before this next match against New Zealand.
"
The All Blacks might have peaked too early in this tournament, as their display against South Africa suggested, and if they do not bring their best form to Twickenham, they will be beaten by the skilful Aussies.
History can be made by the Wallabies in London even though their neighbours are every rugby fans' second favourite team.
The Haka and face off before the match are always one of the sport's great moments, but the edge to this game will be razor sharp as the biggest prize in rugby awaits the winners. A place in history is at stake between two of the greatest nations, with millions staying up through the night to see if their country will once again be crowned as world champions.
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