Excitement is building in New Zealand, Australia and the UK as fans await the Rugby World Cup final to get underway.
Fans in New Zealand are undoubtedly grouping together at bars and lounges around the country in preparation for the final to begin at 5am, while those across the ditch do the same ahead of the game. Some, however, are already in bed, having set one of the most important alarms of their lives.
Not often I'm excited to set my alarm so early. Let's do this, Australia! #RWCFinal #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/OPiZsbIs2M
— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) October 31, 2015
The day, however, is just starting for UK-based All Blacks, Wallabies and rugby fans alike, and those who are lucky enough to have tickets are starting to make their way to Twickenham.
Getting ready for the big game, leaving Stratford and heading to Twickenham #allblacks… https://t.co/Uf5lsfr7EL
— ClintPurches (@naturalnovice) October 31, 2015
En route to Twickenham - roads are clear #earlybird #excitedmuch #RugbyWorldCup #RWC2015final pic.twitter.com/0jz1b2xzxi
— Layla Anna-Lee (@Laylaloves) October 31, 2015
How the mood among All Blacks fans changes over the coming hours is yet to be seen, and relies on the skills, passion and determination of the All Blacks (no pressure guys).
The team's New Zealand sporting colleagues have taken to Twitter to show their support for the team, urging them to "bring it home".
.Not sure if I'll be successful but to celebrate the World Cup win by the @AllBlacks, I reckon some BBQ kangaroo will be awesome.
— Valerie Adams (@ValerieAdams84) October 31, 2015
Is anyone else getting excited for theWorld cup final tonight?!!! All the best to the @AllBlacks ! Bring it home lads! #AllBlacks
— Martin Guptill (@Martyguptill) October 31, 2015
Good luck to the ABs tomorrow morning! https://t.co/hMvCxLtY9B #RWC2015 #RWCFinal #NZLvAUS #TeamAllBlacks
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 31, 2015
Go hard brothers @AllBlacks #RWC2015 #TeamAllBlacks pic.twitter.com/dpwDVUvGxe
— Joseph Parker (@joeboxerparker) October 31, 2015
The official Rugby World Cup organisers seem just a tad excited (most fans probably feel the same way)...
Today's the day #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/jorcluoCbm
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 31, 2015
And the organiser's tweet daring people to disagree that captain Richie McCaw is the greatest All Blacks ever is garnering a lot of feedback, mostly positive.
Dare to disagree? #NZL #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/5GkRkTHLZ6
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 31, 2015
Across the ditch, Wallabies' fans are also gearing up for the game, with hopes to take the title away from New Zealand.
Not taking any chances as I get ready to cheer on the @Wallabies in @rugbyworldcup final! #RWC2015 #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/qqWLrCMcx5
— Verity Barton MP (@Verity_BartonMP) October 31, 2015
No Halloween for me please. I need to go to bed to get up at 0130 for the #RugbyWorldCup final. Go #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/Fm4nRV4K52
— Angharad (@angharad1963) October 31, 2015
Just showing our support for the @Wallabies with a change in colour scheme. #StrongerAsOne #Wallabies #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/8bq1HSOp27
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) October 26, 2015
But there's one man and his team who will do everything in their will to stop that from happening.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen observes a kicker's training session on October 30. Photo: AFP
Police across New Zealand are also preparing for a big night, and said they would be keeping a close eye on fans.
Auckland police have been refocusing deployments, particularly around bars where large crowds will be gathering to watch.
They urged people to have a plan on how they would get home following a night out drinking.
People pass the Sydney Opera House lit up in Australian colours in support of the Wallabies. Photo: AFP
