The build up to New Zealand v Australia - in pictures

The All Blacks may not have choked against Argentina in their quarter-final match last weekend as these fans wished, but Aussie supporters and reporters remain eager to witness a Kiwi capitulation. Peter FitzSimons of The Sydney Morning Herald went so far as to write a waspish comment piece on Friday entitled: 'Choke, Kiwis, and we mean that in the nicest possible way' Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Australia's Daily Telegraph went one step further, offering a cut-out-and-stab voodoo doll of Sonny Bill Williams for its readers. But Williams, a former NRL player, might not be the most appropriate voodoo doll given that he'll be starting on the bench Photograph: Public Domain

The Kiwi media haven't exactly been playing friendly themselves. At a press conference on Wednesday, David Pocock was accused of being a cheat following his roguish match-winning performance against the Springboks. Pocock seemed to take the accusation in good humour Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Cheating is also an accusation often thrown at Richie McCaw. The All Black captain is back from injury for Sunday's match and will therefore go head-to-head against Pocock Photograph: Mike Hutchings/Reuters

New Zealand's Aaron Cruden will doubtless cop some flack during the match. He's perceived to be the chink in the All Blacks armour. And judging from this evidence he's a bit of a softie too - look at all that padding Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA