SATURDAY sees England take on Australia in the World Cup final in Brisbane.

It is England's first final appearance for 22 years - and they last won in it (as Great Britain) back in 1972.

England have so far only lost once - to Australia - in the tournament.

They beat Lebanon and France in the pool stages and saw off Papua New Guinea and Tonga in the knock-out stages.

The Australians, coached by one-season Saint Mal Meninga, are unbeaten in this year's comp.

The game will throw up some intriguing battles.

James Roby (England) v Cameron Smith (Australia)

The two veteran hookers could spend as much time on the field as anybody as they continue to roll back the years with some vintage displays.

Roby forced his way back into the England side on the back of a magnificent season with SAINTS and, after starting out as their second-choice number nine, will be determined to make the most of the opportunity caused by injury to Josh Hodgson. There was a justifiable clamour for the Saints man - on form and merit - to have started even prior to Hodgson's injury.

Smith remains a hugely-influential figure for the Kangaroos and his exceptional form in 2017 was recognised with the Golden Boot award.

Sam Burgess (England) v Boyd Cordner(Australia).

The excitement for England is that their talisman Sam Burgess has yet to hit top form in an injury-hit World Cup campaign and may have saved his best for last. On his day he is arguably the most destructive forward in the business and a player Boyd Cordner says he looks up to. Cordner is New South Wales' Origin captain no less and is playing well enough to keep in-form second rowers Tyson Frizell and Wade Graham out of the Kangaroos' starting line-up.

Gareth Widdop (England) v Billy Slater (Australia).

Widdop was the understudy to Slater when he set out on his NRL career with Melbourne and, after spending the last seven years moulding himself into a talented stand-off, has found himself back in the number one jersey and going up against his old mentor.

Slater, even at 34, has demonstrated he still has what it takes to perform at the very highest level and has broken the record for most tries in World Cup history while Widdop has played a major role in England's run to the final after revelling in his old position.