Australia's Rippon sisters starred in a 12-9 women's water polo victory over Russia which sent the home nation into the gold medal match at the FINA world championships in Melbourne on Thursday night.

Australian captain Melissa Rippon and sister Rebecca scored two goals each, including three between them in a crucial third-quarter burst, to ensure Australia will play off in Saturday's final against the United States.

Earlier, Australia had soared to a big lead when Kate Gynther scored three of her side's first five goals to create a 5-1 advantage early in the second quarter.

But Russia gradually pegged the deficit back and turned the match into a tense tussle in the second half.

They scored three consecutive goals in the lead-up to halftime, then another in the opening minute of the second half to level the match at 5-5.

Gynther launched a powerful shot on the fast break for her fourth goal to briefly regain the lead for Australia.

But the visitors answered with two in two minutes to push ahead with three minutes to play in the third quarter, the first time they had been in front since the opening three minutes of the match.

It was then that the Rippon sisters stepped up to put Australia back in control with a run of three stunning goals in the space of two minutes.

Rebecca Rippon scored the first two, firing off a long-range bullet which snuck just inside the left post, followed by a fierce shot on the fast break.

Not to be outdone, Melissa then produced the goal of the match, an incredible shot from almost halfway up the pool which skimmed across the surface before speeding into the net.

It put Australia up 9-7 at the last change and when Gemma Beadsworth scored 40 seconds into the final term they were firmly on top.

Russia twice got to within two goals later in the quarter, but Australia always looked to have the match in their keeping.

Earlier, the US booked their berth in the final with a thrilling 10-9 extra time win over reigning world champion Hungary in Thursday's other semi-final.

The US led by three goals heading into the final quarter, before Hungary outscored them 3-0 in the final term to push them into overtime, with the US prevailing 2-1 in the extra period.

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