According to reports in New Zealand, when the All Blacks became the first time to reach the 2015 World Cup final - they were also the first set of people to find out who will referee the showpiece next Saturday.
The New Zealand Herald is reporting that the All Black legend turned selector Grant Fox has revealed that they know who will be in charge of the whistle come Saturday, and most rugby fans will be delighted. World Rugby are set to officially announce the appointment of Nigel Owens as the main referee in the next 48 hours.
The New Zealand Herald believe that this should please New Zealand - because of the reputation that Owens has has the best referee in the world and how he interprets the breakdown should suit the open game that New Zealand play. Fox told Newstalk ZB in New Zealand that the squad were told before the semi-finals:
Nigel is clearly the best referee in the world - he's demonstrated that. We knew before this game that he had that job should we get the opportunity to play in that game.
Fox also admitted that New Zealand enjoy playing when Owens is refereeing. He memorably was in control of the two most entertaining games of 2013 that featured New Zealand - the thriller against South Africa, and the heartbreaking Irish loss that November:
Like all referees, he will make the odd error.
But one of the key things he does, apart from communicating incredibly well with players, is that he lets the breakdown breathe. And that's really important. If you want to get a good contest and spectacle, you've got to let the breakdown breathe a little bit and he is really, really good at that.
New Zealand will find out if they face either Argentina or Australia in the final later today.
[New Zealand Herald]
See Also: Nigel Owens Gave Chris Henry An Impromptu Concussion Test On Sunday
See Also: The World Cup Semi-Final Referees Hint At Who Will Take Charge Of The Final
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
