Both countries may have been beaten by England at senior level in the past fortnight, but Australia and New Zealand remain the strongest in the world at under 21 level.

These two southern hemisphere giants contest the IRB Under 21 Rugby World Cup final at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium on Sunday (June 29, 4.15pm),

The two sides have already clashed in the three-week tournament, which has showcased some of best up and coming talent in world rugby.

Then the All Blacks and young Wallabies had to settle for a draw when each amassed 37 points in a game of two halves that proved to be one of the most gripping of the competition so far.

New Zealand will be looking to reproduce their strong start that saw then put 24 points on the board in as many minutes before the young Aussies could get off the mark.

Australia, on the other hand, will draw their inspiration from their determined come back that witnessed two tries each for captain Lachlan Mackay and flying wing Peter Hynes and one for impressive flanker Rocky Elsom.

In the semi-finals, New Zealand, who finished second in their pool, booted pre-tournament favourites and defending champions South Africa out of the running with a 38-16 triumph.

Australia's route into the final was more straightforward. After winning their pool they saw off underdogs Argentina 48-25.

They will now be looking to put behind them the heartache of last year's World Cup final 24-21 defeat against the Springboks in South Africa.

"New Zealand are a very strong team to play in the final," said Wallabies coach Laurie Fisher, whose side have also notched up impressive victories over England and Italy.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand squad are relishing the chance of a rematch against Australia after last weekend's draw.

South Africa and Argentina will kick-off finals day at the Kassam Stadium, playing off for a third place finish at 12.15pm.

A disappointed England team will meanwhile play off against Scotland for seventh position at Newbury RFC at 11am after failing to make the semi-finals and then losing 44-27 to Six Nations champions Wales on Wednesday.