All Blacks captain Richie McCaw knows there is no guarantee of success in Sunday's final, despite his team being overwhelming favourites to beat France.

New Zealand approach the Eden Park clash with home advantage and as the most impressive team in the tournament so far: but as a veteran of two premature exits from Rugby World Cups McCaw is taking nothing for granted.

"There are absolutely no guarantees," McCaw said. "You look around some fellas that have been around a while, they are pretty determined. This is their last sort of chance and they want to make the most of it."

Second row Brad Thorn and hooker Keven Mealamu are veterans of the 2003 semi-final loss to Australia, along with McCaw, and the skipper believes they now have the experience to go with the talent.

"I just think from my point of view, back in 2003, I didn't understand what it took to win a World Cup. Perhaps I didn't understand again in '07.

"If there's a game you want to pick to be involved through your career it would be a World Cup final and we've got that opportunity tomorrow," he added.

"A lot of guys have been through one, if not two, experiences that have not been too flash.

"You would like to think that just hardens the resolve and the desire. I just think from my point of view, back in 2003, I didn't understand what it took to win a World Cup."

McCaw leads an unchanged side against France - watch the game live on ITV1 from 8.30am on Sunday morning.



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