The undisputed world champions against some fierce competitors, this is the simple equation for the battle on Saturday night. Of course this is not referring to the clash on the pitch, but rather the one in the stands.
Australians are fiercely competitive when it comes to playing the English, actually in any comparison to England folks down under can’t bear the thought that the former colonial overlord has the wood on them.
So when the England fans turned up in full voice to the Wallabies semi final match and belted out a deafening rendition of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” the locals were stunned as they quickly dived into the song book for the traditional rugby anthem “Waltzing Matilda” or that moving ballad “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi”.
The following night, the English raised the roof as they roared their team into the final. From the sea of white jerseys in the stands it was clear that the battle lines had been drawn.
Every great rivalry has a history
This rivalry has some interesting background. First, the Australian fans know what they are in for. When the British Lions toured Australia in 2001, their fans ambushed the first Test with red jerseys and singing voices.
With the local fans and media up in arms, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) pleaded with their supporters to be more vocal and to wear plenty of gold for the following two Tests.
This is where the locals are at a disadvantage. The traditional rugby fans in Australia are not historically the most vocal crowd and have seen a game as a more civilised night out.
RWC 2003's greatest success has been its ability to open rugby union up to the entire Australian population and with it has come the face paint and the songs. But are these rookies ready for the ultimate test? Whatever the result the atmosphere will be electric.
Australians, while strongly patriotic, have never been openly so. Most Australians admit to not knowing the words of the national anthem, but the nation has been studying up in order to match their rival at the start of the game.
The tension had already started to build when it was announced this week that Australia had won the toss of the coin and had decided that “Advance Australia Fair” would follow “God Save the Queen”.
Singing to go "Live"
However it is not just at Telstra Stadium where the crowds are predicted to be in full voice. The Rugby Live sites are also predicted to give fans who were unlucky not to get tickets, a really memorable experience.
Last week more than 30,000 fans attended the sites at the Opera House, Darling Harbour and The Rocks together with the Rugby Zone adjacent to Telstra Stadium, with bands and other performers providing the full entertainment package.
The venues are expected to be packed again this weekend as fans soak up the finals atmosphere with tens of thousands of English tourists arriving in Sydney over the last two weeks as they look to be involved in England’s first major sporting victory since the football World Cup in 1966.
Live Sites will crop up all over Australia with all major state capital cities prepared to host finals parties with bands and big screens.
Partying oceans away
However it is not just in Australia that fans are expected to gather en mass to enjoy the match.
Pubs in London will be opening their doors at 08:00 GMT [19:00 AEST] on Saturday to welcome revellers for the big match. As London is the number one destination for many young Aussies looking to broaden their horizons, there will definitely be a good amount of gold around the Ye Olde London.
One such venue will be the Walkabout Pub in Covent Garden, a home away from home for Aussie travellers. With doors opening at 08:00, management are expecting a full house by 08:30 as fans take advantage of a full breakfast before a pre game pint.
The usual haunt for Aussies who spend their time reminiscing about the taste of Vegemite, surfing or favourite plot lines from Neighbours, is also set to be a target for locals with an expected 50/50 mixture for the big game.
The Marylebone Tup is geared up for a big crowd and they are not expecting the early Saturday morning start to effect patrons' alcohol consumption. Their promotions on Australian beers all have the condition "while stocks last".
The venues are ready, the fans are in the mood, the only question now is: who will be celebrating after the game?