Backing Black: locals show their support | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Rugby World Cup fever has hit the Western Bay this weekend as local fans show their support for the All Blacks ahead of Sunday night's final.

The Bay of Plenty Times Weekend this morning shares the messages of support for our Men in Black from 50 people on the street and a host of Western Bay personalities, as well as their scoreboard predictions.

Some of those locals who have voiced their support are pictured on this page and their comments, and those of others, are on page 4.

Most are optimistic about the All Blacks chances, but some fear any hint of complacency could see victory slip through their fingers against a highly unpredictable French side.

But the outcome is a forgone conclusion for Tauranga woman Kay Wynn, 61, who was adamant the Kiwis would "thrash" the French. "The ABs have finally got some mongrel in them. As a nation we are a bit timid but now we're starting to rock the boat," she said.

Mount Maunganui's Michael Williams, 26, was not convinced of runaway All Black glory.

"I think the hungriest team is going to win at the end of the day. So give it a bit of curry," he said.

Everyone was picking a win for the All Blacks, most by a 20 point margin.

Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Sean Horan wanted to see the Webb Ellis Cup firmly in Richie McCaw's grasp, not only for their nation of supporters but for the boost it would give the sport in New Zealand. "Please, for the sake of rugby, win!," he said.

Meanwhile, Western Bay French supporters are refusing to drown in a sea of black with local restaurant and cafe owners preparing for gatherings on Sunday night and a group of French fans preparing to settle into a corner of Mount Maunganui Irish bar Mount Mellick for the big match.

Proud of their country's escalation to the final, the owner of Greerton cafe Le Chat Noir, Freddy Brignone, warned his home team could easily pull one out of the bag.

"You can be sure the French team will be just as determined and be putting in 150 per cent effort to take the cup home with them."

Local sporting celebrities are all predicting All Black victory, most by at least 20 points following complete dominance on the field.

"I think the All Blacks will absolutely smash the French," said Dame Susan Devoy. NZ Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens reckoned the All Blacks would "smoke" the French.

"We won't get this far and let it slip," he said.