Robert Kitson
Who will win? New Zealand by five points
Why? The lessons of the 2011 final will do the All Blacks no harm. They have been beaten only three times in the intervening four years and have conceded only four tries at this tournament. Australia are a credit to their coaching team but they have had to expend a lot of energy to get this far.
Key player? Bernard Foley. The breakdown battle is clearly crucial but so is Dan Carter’s opposite number. If his goal-kicking wobbles, so will the Wallabies.
Paul Rees
Who will win? Australia by enough.
Why? Someone has to go for them. They have never lost a World Cup match on British and Irish soil, they know they can beat the All Blacks, they have been the most effective team at the breakdown this tournament and Michael Cheika keeps them ravenous.
Key player? All of them but especially Bernard Foley, a perceived weakness six weeks ago who has been their strength.
Mike Averis
Who will win? New Zealand by five
Why? Only one defeat in their past 12 games against Australia says it all. The All Blacks have been the best for a decade and more; and choking is a thing of their past. Then there is the occasion with Richie McCaw, Dan Carter et al heading off to Test retirement.
Key player Scott Sio. He plays but is he fit? Ditto Israel Folau
Michael Aylwin
Who will win? New Zealand by 13
Why? They have played a blinder so far. They were calm in beating a superb Argentina, then managed expectations with a series of ho-hum outings against lesser sides. They smashed France and saw off the Springboks in the rain. The weather is set fair for Saturday, and there is no prospect of complacency against a side who have beaten them already this year. As long as they do not choke …
Key player Dan Carter. The greatest player never to have won a World Cup final. He will want to change that. Now is his time.
