I know you heard me say it weeks ago: The World Cup final would be played between Australia and New Zealand. It wasn't a lucky guess at all. Both nations have a whole heap of things in place to make that 2015 World Cup Final pairing almost a formality in my mind.

This is my guide to how the World Cup was won.

Leadership

Michael Clarke has impressed everyone with his incredible leadership over the course of the previous 6 months. Those that knew him were fully aware that he was a top bloke as well as being a top cricketer. Yet, even those must sit there now and say "this bloke has gone to the next level".

Similarly, his Kiwi Counterpart is an exceptional human being who just gets it right.

'Baz' McCullum balances being a solid guy possessing great values with the explosive and selfless nature of his batting and fielding. How many blokes like Baz get overlooked as leaders?

Have you got someone in your club who could be your McCullum just waiting for the chance to lead?

Management

The balance between Clarke and Darren Lehman is magnificent. They compliment each other wonderfully. Lehman loves fun and seems to spend his days mentoring and relaxing players in order to facilitate their most optimal performance state. He gets to know each player, is a straight talker yet does it in a way where everyone ends up working towards the team goal.

This was epitomised beautifully at the outset of the tournament when Clarke was easing his way back to match fitness. George Bailey captained the eventual winners in their 1st Group game against England, scoring 55 in a comprehensive win.

In a post match conference, Bailey eluded to the fact that he was sitting in Clarke's chair as a captain and player. He knew and accepted his role, performed it admirably and did an amazing supporting job from the sidelines for the remainder of the tournament.

It takes exceptional management to bring about these outcomes. Hats off to Messrs Lehman, Clarke and Bailey.

Fun

The sides that have fun generally do well at this silly game called cricket. Fun in practice, fun off the field and allowing characters to develop within your teams leads to success.

It's a great game that should always be enjoyed. Again, our finalists both exude fun. It's a pre-requisite of sustained performance.

I loved Darren Lehman's photo updates of the Aussie celebrations. If you can't have fun when you have earned a World Cup, then when can you?

Perspective and purpose

The tragic death of Philip Hughes would have derailed many teams, many players and many nations. Some countries would have used it as an excuse or distraction. Not the Aussies.

Every man has committed to enjoying and working hard in every day that they have playing cricket in order to honour Philip's life and memory. It is evident in the way that they go about everything. That aftermath of the terrible accident now fuels Australian Cricket, not just for now but for a while to come.

It takes special people to turn tragedy into triumph.

The way that Australia faced up to their loss at Auckland was full of perspective. They loved the game, the buzz, the challenge and the atmosphere but didn't let it disrupt their flow or confidence. They knew that they would get a second bite of the cherry and next time it would be on home turf.

How good are you at refocussing after awful news? How good are you at "losing"?

Home Advantage

It helps, if you let it and embrace the benefits of expectation and support.

I think New Zealand captured their countries hearts and minds brilliantly during the tournament and if the final had been in Auckland or Wellington then the score would have been closer that's for sure.

Both finalists were unbeaten in their own back yards. They played amazing cricket, full of passion and full of adventure. It was brilliant to watch.

I will be fascinated to see how England fair in 4 years time.

Do you as clubs and schools maximise the expectation of home advantage?