After two weeks of wild weather, soggy grounds and lopsided score lines, the 2008 Universities Rugby League World Cup will finish in a blaze of entertainment at Langlands Park, Stones Corner tomorrow from 10am.

Perfect weather is predicted for the tournament’s final day, with Australia and England set to battle it out for the seventh Universities World crown at 3.30pm. All eight nations will be showcased throughout the day, with New Zealand to meet Wales for third spot, Greece to play France in the Final of the Plate and Scotland and Ireland to battle it out for seventh place in the days opening match at 10am.

World Cup Final
Australia v England, 3.30pm

Having only conceded one try all tournament, Australia head into the 2008 Final as raging hot favourites to secure their fourth World Cup crown. The host nation will be contesting their sixth World Cup Final since 1989, with the Australian unit a perfect blend of size, pace and skill, evidenced by their undefeated run throughout this tournament.

Australia’s dominance has been built around their brutal defence, having conceded a miserly ten points in four games, while their scintillating attack has seen them register a whopping 162 points against the four British nations. The Aussies will be also buoyed in the fact that they have already posted a convincing 24-0 Round one shutout of the English in slippery conditions.

Despite being massive underdogs, the English have built momentum from that first round loss, having disposed of Cup heavyweights Greece, Scotland and defending champions New Zealand on their way to their third Cup Final. They showed with their dominant semi-final display against the Kiwis, that they will not take a backwards step against their more favoured opposition, and will be quietly confident of causing a massive boilover this Saturday afternoon.

Given both sides form thus far, it is hard to see where England can score points against the impenetrable Aussie defence, and Australia should easily romp home to yet another World Cup crown.

3 v 4
New Zealand v Wales, 1.30pm

In what promises to be a brutal, but entertaining match, New Zealand will be out to salvage some pride after their upset semi-final loss to England on Wednesday, but will meet a skilful Welsh side full of resolve and commitment.

Wales have both the talent and size to worry New Zealand, and will start favourites in this match courtesy of their spirited performance against the Australian in the semi-final. The Welsh have shown that they score some breathtaking tries, and have two of the

tournaments most potent attacking weapons in winger Rob Worrincly and fullback Gareth David.

The Kiwis will be primed for a big showing having not missed a World Cup final since 1996, and will have a huge supporter base on hand to cheer them to victory. There is no doubting that New Zealand has the talent, but have at times struggled to maintain their intensity throughout matches.

In what will be a tight and torrid affair, whichever team can convert their chances will win this match.

Plate Final
Greece v France, 11.45pm

Tournament surprise packets Greece head into the Plate final as overwhelming favourites, but are sure to be tested by a French team famous for their niggling attitude.

Greece have shown that they can more then match it on the international rugby league stage, having beaten Scotland and Ireland and pushing finalists England all the way before losing at the death in their Pool match. Despite spending limited time together as a squad prior to this tournament, the Greeks have banded together well, displaying tremendous courage and silky skills to make it into the Plate Fianl.

France has had a mixed tournament, combining entertaining victories against Ireland and Scotland with disappointing performances against New Zealand and Wales. On their day, the French can compete with the top teams, but have lack the consistency to go further in this Cup.

7 v 8 Playoff
Ireland v Scotland, 10am

Finals Day kicks off with this exciting fixture, with both the Irish and Scottish lads sure to entertain with their steely resolve and iconic humour. Both nations have struggled to contain their larger rivals, with both sides keen to register their first victory of the tournament.

Ireland will start slight favourites in this match courtesy of tehir superior try-scoring record, with the Irish lads having crossed for four tries to the Scots solitary intercept try.

Scotland will relish the combat against a similarly skilled opponent, as the Scottish lads were grouped against tournament heavyweights Australia, England and Greece.

Both sides have displayed courage and commitment in the face of adversity in this World Cup, and should be applauded for their spirit and pluck against some high quality rivals.