Rugby World Cup 2015: New Zealand vs Australia kick-off time, prediction and preview

New Zealand and Australia face each other at Twickenham in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday (31 October). After 47 matches played over six weeks across England, the eighth edition of international rugby's most prestigious event will see the two great antipodean rivals meet in the final for the first time.

Both the All Blacks and the Wallabies are looking to win the World Cup for a record third time, with New Zealand also aiming to become the first nation in history to retain the trophy. But which side will prevail?

New Zealand have been favourites throughout the tournament and if they do go on to retain the World Cup they won on home soil four years ago, they can rightly go down as the greatest side to play test rugby.

Unbeaten in the tournament, the All Blacks cruised through the group stages before demolishing France 62-13 in the quarter finals and holding their nerve to beat South Africa 20-18 in the semi finals.

Many of New Zealand's star players, from captain Richie McCaw to fly-half Dan Carter, will be looking to end what will be their last World Cups on a high note, while winger Julian Savea will hope to break the record for the most tries scored in a World Cup after notching up eight so far this campaign.

Australia on the other hand will be seeking to complete the remarkable transformation to the team since Michael Cheika took over as coach with a victory against their great southern hemisphere rivals.

From the struggling side he inherited 12 months ago, the Wallabies go into the final unbeaten after escaping the group of death with England and Wales, before narrowly beating Scotland 35-34 and vanquishing an impressive Argentina side 29-15 in the semi finals.

In this video, IBTimes UK sports editor Nick Howson previews the match and gives his predictions on who will emerge victorious.

New Zealand vs Australia kicks off at 4pm GMT on 31 October. Live coverage is available on ITV HD and BBC Radio 5 Live.