New Zealand v Australia, Twickenham, kick-off 4pm. Live on ITV.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Both countries are out to be the first to win the Webb Ellis Cup three times. New Zealand, the holders, also won the first tournament back in 1987 - both times on home ground. Australia won in 1991 at Twickenham, then again eight years later in Cardiff. The teams have also each lost one final - New Zealand to South Africa in 1995, and Australia to England in 2003.

FORM GUIDE

The All Blacks are ranked No 1 in the world, the Wallabies No 2. The All Blacks had the easier pool, and were only ever really stretched by Argentina. They then hammered France in the quarter-final but only managed to beat South Africa in the semi-final by two points.

Australia were in the so-called pool of death with Wales and England, and beat both before seeing off Scotland by a single point in the last eight. They defeated the Pumas by 14 points in the semi-final, but again displayed the kind of vulnerability that their opponents today are equipped to exploit ruthlessly.

REASONS FOR NEW ZEALAND TO BE CONFIDENT

As the holders, they know what it takes to win the biggest match in rugby - Australia’s squad, by contrast, has only one survivor, Matt Giteau, from that defeat by England 12 years ago. Their defence is more consistent, and in fly-half Dan Carter and captain Richie McCaw they have the two most influential players in world rugby over the past decade. They also believe they still have the edge up front against an improved Australian scrum.

GROUNDS FOR AUSTRALIAN OPTIMISM

They have got to the final the hard way, having been stretched to the limit while the All Blacks have arguably had it too easy. They have the best player of the tournament in David Pocock, and their defence at its best - as it showed against Wales - is simply unbreachable. And, having played at Twickenham - and won - on each of the past four weekends, they are completely at home at today’s venue.

KEY CONTEST

David Pocock versus Richie McCaw. Although he wears the No 8 jersey, Pocock is an openside flanker who has been without peer in the World Cup when it comes to stealing opposition ball at the breakdown. McCaw, at 34 seven years older than his Australian rival, has unparalleled experience of the big occasion.

TACTICAL BATTLE

With devastating finishers out wide, both teams will aim to play a fairly expansive game. As the favourites, who believe they have a stronger tight five, New Zealand can afford to be more patient before unleashing their strike runners. Australia’s instinct will be to play more running rugby from earlier phases, and have a fine judgement to make about just how adventurous they can afford to be.

PREDICTION

New Zealand 21 Australia 14