This weekend's Final between Australia and New Zealand marks the latest chapter in a World Cup rivalry that goes back to an October afternoon in Dublin in 1991.
The two sides have met on three occasions in the World Cup, but the Twickenham encounter will be the first time the sides meet where the Webb Ellis Cup will be on the line. The previous three encounters all came at the semi final stage with Australia winning two of the three games.
Australia 16-6 New Zealand, Dublin, 1991
The two sides first met in a World Cup in Lansdowne Road with a place against England in the final at stake. Winger David Campese was the star of the show for the Wallabies. He scored the first try of the game and was instrumental in the second to help Australia win the game. His pass to Tim Horan for the second try of the game remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of the World Cup.
New Zealand 10-22 Australia, Sydney, 2003
Despite being the hosts, Australia went into the semi final against New Zealand as heavy underdogs, despite being the reigning World Champions. The boot of Elton Flatley was the difference between the two sides as the centre scored 17 points from placed kicks. Australia's other score came from a Sterling Mortlock interception try and the hosts pulled off one of the shocks of the tournament. Despite the win, Australia lost to England in the Final.
Australia 6-20 New Zealand, Auckland, 2011
The most recent game between the two sides is possibly the one least remembered. Ma'a Nonu scored the games only try after excellent work from Israel Dagg in the opening five minutes. As Dan Carter missed the game due to an injury sustained in a training session during the pool stage, Piri Weepu took charge of the kicking duties but missed half of his kicks at goal. Weepu scored two penalties in the second half, in a cagey 40 minutes as the All Blacks booked their place in the final where they defeated France.
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