Ahead of Saturday's much-anticipated Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia, we assess five key battles.

Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read vs Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper and David Pocock
The battle at the breakdown can be expected to go a long way to determining who will lift the Webb Ellis Cup. Saturday's final will bring together arguably the two best back-row trios in the game, with particular focus set to be applied to the performances of All Blacks skipper McCaw and Australia's Pocock, an openside flanker by trade who has enjoyed a stunning tournament at number eight. The Wallabies' policy of fielding two specialist sevens has proved fruitful - the 'Pooper' combination of Pocock and Michael Hooper excelling. However, that duo - together with the similarly tireless Scott Fardy - now face the ultimate test against vastly experienced and highly skilled opposition. Regarded as one of the finest flankers in history, McCaw is expected to retire from international rugby after this weekend's match and will be determined to sign off by becoming the first captain to lead his country to back-to-back World Cups.

Julian Savea vs Adam Ashley-Cooper
No player in the tournament has got close to Savea's tally of eight tries. Although the wing had a quiet game against South Africa, his previous display - in the quarter-final thrashing of France - drew comparisons with the most famous wearer of the All Blacks' number 11 jersey, one Jonah Lomu. Like Lomu, Savea offers a devastating mix of pace and power, best illustrated by his second try against France, which saw three would-be tacklers bounce off him like skittles. Ashley-Cooper may not be as eye-catching, but the versatile veteran is a key member of Australia's team and proved his worth with a hat-trick against Argentina last time out. If anyone has the know-how and experience to contain Savea, it may well be the outgoing Waratahs back, who will join Bordeaux after the tournament.

Dan Carter vs Bernard Foley
Along with McCaw, Carter is thought to be gearing up for his last international appearance and was this week described as the greatest fly-half in history by former Australia number 10 Stephen Larkham. Now 33, Carter has spoken of his excitement at featuring in a maiden World Cup final, after injury brought a premature end to his participation four years ago, and can be expected to retain his usual level of composure in a high-pressure environment. Foley, seven years Carter's junior, has come of age at this tournament - excelling in the win over England - and firmly established himself as Australia's first-choice fly-half. Can he now outshine the master?

Dane Coles vs Stephen Moore
When it comes to speed, mobility and handling skills, even the All Blacks' number two is able to impress. The epitome of the modern-day front-row forward, Coles has developed into one of the world's finest hookers - with a running game arguably unrivalled - and received high praise from a distinguished predecessor in former New Zealand skipper Sean Fitzpatrick. Australia captain Moore is unlikely to make the same impact as his opposite number with ball in hand, but his leadership qualities will be vital if the Wallabies are to upset the odds. A reliable campaigner boasting 101 Test caps, he can be expected to keep errors to a minimum.

Ma'a Nonu v Matt Giteau
Both teams are set to field hugely experienced stars at number 12, with a combined total of 203 Test appearances. Nonu and Giteau each earned their 100th caps earlier in the tournament and neither man shows any sign of being on the wane despite their advancing years. A veteran of the 2003 final, classy Toulon centre Giteau is among several players to have benefited from a change in eligibility policy by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) - dubbed 'Giteau's law' - that enables those playing overseas to be selected providing they meet certain criteria. The powerful Nonu will join Giteau at Toulon after this tournament and has the added incentive of potentially ending his All Blacks career as a two-time world champion.