As the Wallabies bid to win a record third Rugby World Cup title at the expense of Trans-Tasman rivals and reigning champions New Zealand, we look at Australia's path to the showpiece decider at Twickenham on Saturday.

Pool A: Australia 28-13 Fiji

Australia survived a stern test against Fiji as they made a winning start to their World Cup campaign. David Pocock's double and a try from Sekope Kepu inspired the Wallabies, who failed to earn a bonus point at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Pool A: Australia 65-3 Uruguay

The Wallabies were at it again four days later in Birmingham, easily accounting for minnows Uruguay. Drew Mitchell was the star of the show at Villa Park, scoring two of Australia's 11 tries to become the nation's all-time leading try-scorer at World Cups. The wing took his personal tally to 12 to surpass Chris Latham's haul of 11.

Pool A: England 13-33 Australia

Australia's first real test came against England and the Wallabies passed with flying colours as they secured a quarter-final berth and dumped the tournament hosts out of the World Cup. Fly-half Bernard Foley was inspirational, scoring 28 points, including two first-half tries, to silence the Twickenham crowd.

Pool A: Australia 15-6 Wales

Australia were far from pretty, but mightily effective as they clinched top spot in the pool and avoided a semi-final meeting with the All Blacks in the process. The final group fixture pitted the Wallabies against Wales in a winner-takes-all encounter in London and the Australians emerged triumphant following a resilient defensive effort in the second half. After scrum-half Will Genia and lock Dean Mumm were sin-binned in the space of three minutes following the interval, defeat appeared likely, but the Wallabies stood firm to deny Wales beyond the tryline on three occasions.

Quarter-final: Australia 35-34 Scotland

The most controversial game of the tournament saw Australia qualify for the final four at the expense of Scotland. Foley kicked a last-gasp penalty following an accidental offside that ultimately sent the Wallabies into the semis. Australia, who trailed at half-time, were overwhelming favourites but they were given an almighty scare after Mark Bennett's try six minutes from the end put the Scots within touching distance of their first semi in 24 years. However, the Wallabies benefited from a questionable call made by referee Craig Joubert, which World Rugby later confirmed was the wrong decision amid widespread criticism.

Semi-final: Argentina 15-29 Australia

It got better for the Wallabies in the semis, Adam Ashley-Cooper's hat-trick helping his team-mates past Argentina at Twickenham. Argentina stunned Ireland in the quarter-finals but even the presence of football great Diego Maradona could not prevent a Pumas defeat on this occasion. Australia led 14-3 inside 11 minutes and held off a determined fightback from Daniel Hourcade's men to secure a fourth final appearance.