Freeley Speaking: All Blacks must 'kick it up a gear'

The All Blacks' colossus Brad Thorn needs to have a big game against the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images

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As the All Blacks face a crunch Rugby World Cup semi-final against Australia, I decided to call up some of my student friends in Dunedin and get a "pulse check" on the big game.

If the All Blacks were to win, it would be their first tournament final since 1995.

Australia are coming into the tie on a high after beating former world champions South Africa, thanks to a James O'Connor penalty which sealed an 11-9 victory. Will the men in Black have enough for victory? It's time for the students of Dunedin to call the result.

Liam Farley: "Target our boy Quade and we'll get the win."

Liam is confident for a big performance from the All Blacks against their old rivals, despite the Aussies beating the Springboks.

"Australia only just scraped through against a poor South Africa side. They can't be too cocky either.

"The All Blacks better hope the Aussies don't employ a similar defensive strategy as the Puma's did, which seemed to choke any bigger set plays the All Blacks tried to make."

But it's not all doom and gloom for the All Blacks.

"Our scrumming seems better, but our backline will have to kick it up a gear, I think if we also target Quade with our forwards we can force some errors. He has been awful so far, I hope that continues."

Liam's Tip: New Zealand 26 - Australia 20

Jordy Bowman: "The Aussies will beat the Kiwis and the country will be in a state of shock."

Proud Australian Jordy Bowman is backing the Wallabies, much to the distain of her housemates.

"I've been getting plenty of abuse for supporting my national team in New Zealand during the World Cup, I should get my revenge come Sunday."

Jordy points to flanker David Pocock as the potential match winner.

"We really missed him against the Irish, and his physical performance against South Africa was amazing. He'll be the difference against the All Blacks pack.

"The All Blacks will be rattled by their injury losses; Cooper will finally play like he's meant to, and New Zealand will be rioting in the streets come 11pm Sunday," boasted Jordy.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is the biggest source of pride for the Aussie in New Zealand: "Can you imagine if a Kiwi coach beats the All Blacks and then lifts the World Cup for Australia, he wont be allowed to come back home!"

Jordy's Tip: Australia 11- New Zealand 9

Shaun Ferguson: "Despite the players out, we will still win, and be in the final."

Shaun Ferguson is all for a gutsy, tournament-defining victory for the All Blacks despite the apparent lack of personnel.

"If we were to lose, it will be purely mental. We need to play proper All Blacks football from the start, and get it to our backs and attack. We seem to play nervous rugby early on in the important games which leads to mistakes across the pitch."

Australia, who last won a test at Eden Park in 1986, will still be a major threat, but Shaun thinks it'll be a team effort to get the win.

"I think we will have three key men on the pitch on Sunday. Weepu will have a big match and overcome personal heartache; all of New Zealand will be supporting him. Sonny Bill will continue where he has left off and terrify the Aussies.

"But I think Brad Thorn will be a colossus in the pack. If they all play well New Zealand will win, simple as."

Shaun's tip: New Zealand 37 - Australia 23