Formerly the sport's most high-profile chokers, a revitalised and dominant New Zealand can make Rugby World Cup history in Saturday's final against Australia - themselves chasing a place in the record books.

The All Blacks suffered routine failures on the biggest stage before lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time four years ago.

So much has been expected of New Zealand over the years, but that triumph on home soil in 2011 ended a 20-year wait to be crowned world champions for a second time.

Steve Hansen's side came into the 2015 tournament in England as strong favourites to become the first side to retain the World Cup - and the only nation to win it three times.

The All Blacks have lived up to that billing, as they stand on the brink of making history this weekend.

Former Australia captain Stirling Mortlock, man of the match when the Wallabies beat New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final 12 years ago, thinks the All Blacks have dispelled claims that they freeze on the big occasion.

He told Omnisport: "The All Blacks are such a fantastic outfit. Two World Cups ago - after 2007 - there was a bit of tag that mentally sometimes they can't deal with the pressure. 

"But I think they've absolutely turned that around significantly as far as their ability to deal with the pressure and their mentality towards how you prepare mentally for rugby. They're probably leading the world in that regard."

Mortlock knows the Wallabies will be up against it, but believes they can come out on top and claim their own historic third World Cup triumph if they maintain the high standards they have set so far in the tournament.

He added: "This All Black outfit, as well as that, have some amazing firepower across the pitch; extremely dominant set-piece - even at kick-off, they are fantastic at executing that - and there are not many real weaknesses in their game.

"So the reality is Australia have to be on song at set-piece. The breakdowns are going to be absolutely critical, it's been fantastic to watch the Wallaby back row perform in this World Cup, if the Wallabies can get in the ascendancy there, then they have a chance."

Fit-again prop Scott Sio replaces James Slipper in the Australia side, while New Zealand are unchanged in what is expected to a swansong for inspirational captain Richie McCaw and fly-half Dan Carter.

Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu are also set to end their All Blacks careers this weekend in what promises to be an enthralling encounter in south west London.