Newsport contributor Howard Salkow bemoans how the sport’s governing body is destroying the game and looks ahead to the Rugby World Cup final in a classic trans-Tasman battle royale.

OPINION: Rugby Union’s governing body, World Rugby (formerly known as the International Rugby Board), is fast destroying what is often described as a game played in heaven.

Following their 20-18 win over the Springboks, the All Blacks’ spirits were somewhat dampened when it was revealed that their captain Richie McCaw faced possible suspension after allegedly elbow charging Bok forward Francois Louw at a ruck. Fortunately for McCaw and the Kiwis, the video footage was inconclusive and the star flanker will play in the final against Australia.

But this is where it is all going so horribly wrong. The incident was not picked up during the match, yet World Rugby continues to serve judgment after the final whistle is blown. This is not an isolated incident, yet the world body believes it’s in the best interests of the game to act as a post-match referee in what is becoming unsavoury.

World Rugby once again “covered itself in glory” when it publicly ruled that referee Craig Joubert erred in awarding Australia a match-winning penalty in the dying stages of their quarter-final against Scotland. In hanging him out to dry, the governing body effectively ended Joubert’s career as a Test referee. Once again, the match had been decided, but World Rugby chose to be the referee after the fact.

But the game’s so-called “brainstrust” did make one good decision by appointing Welshman Nigel Owens to officiate the final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies who defeated Argentina 29-15 in their semi-final. Owens is fair, has an excellent rapport with the players, who respect him. We can only hope that the match is contested without further controversy, especially after the final whistle is sounded.

It’s a match-up made in heaven: The top two teams in the world; both have twice won the Webb Ellis Trophy and as the defending champion, New Zealand will be seeking an unprecedented back-to-back win. The All Blacks defeated France 8-7 in the 2011 final at Auckland’s Eden Park.

The final has everything going for it. The All Blacks, perhaps, may have a slight advantage based on their last two matches. Their quarter-final thrashing of France provided them an easy passage to the semis, but the do-or-die encounter against the brawny Boks and the narrow 20-18 win was just what was needed before a final. They know they are beatable and this will be foremost in their minds.

While Australia is a team on the move – and a completely different one to what coach Michael Cheika inherited a year ago – New Zealand leaked penalties against the Boks and could have easily beaten themselves. This will be their ultimate test, especially at the breakdowns where penalties could again be their nemesis as will dynamic Wallaby eighthman David Pocock.

Both teams create opportunities and will use their backs to the fullest. The Wallabies are brimming with confidence and have belief in their abilities, something they’ve lacked for many years. It’s this mindset that will make this a tightly contested, but entertaining affair.

The All Blacks are smart, they’re composed, they use their possession wisely – as we saw in the latter half against the Boks – but if the Wallabies can starve them of the ball and force play into their half, Australia has every chance of lifting the trophy for a third time.

You have two outstanding teams with loads of talent and the better disciplined XV will emerge winners. It’s the ideal time for the Wallabies to overcome their greatest rivals on rugby’s biggest stage. But it won’t be easy.