New Zealand's semifinal performance against Tonga showed they could end Australia's hold on the World Cup, the article argued.
Their win set up a final against Australia next Sunday, renewing the contest that opened the tournament in an epic thriller.
Australia reached the decider with a clinical display against Samoa, whose ill-discipline hindered their effort.
Kevin Walters' selection decisions were justified by the result, after he kept the same spine that beat the Cook Islands heavily the previous week.
He retained Tom Dearden and Reece Walsh, leaving out premiership winners James Tedesco and Sam Walker.