New Zealand skipper Nathan Cayless said his final words to his teammates ahead of Saturday's night's World Cup final would be simple and concise: "No regrets."

Having given themselves another crack at Australia after a poor first-up showing against the world champions in the tournament opener, Cayless said the Kiwis owed it to themselves to ensure there wasn't a second letdown.

"We felt like we didn't play anywhere near our ability in that first game and we've given ourselves a chance now ... it's just up to us to do it out on the field tomorrow night," Cayless said.

"We've spoken a lot this week about not having any regrets after the match, just making sure we leave everything out there on the field.

"I'm not too sure if a lot of us will get another opportunity to play in another World Cup final - it's been eight years since the last one and who knows when the next one will be?

"We're pretty aware of the occasion and what it means to us."

What the likes of Cayless and other senior members of the New Zealand squad will have to ensure is that the occasion doesn't get to the younger players, especially early in the contest.

The Kiwis haven't given themselves much of an opportunity to beat Australia in recent games thanks to some diabolical first-half performances, their inability to put points on the board over the opening 40 minutes somewhat masked by consolation tries late in the match.

Australia haven't shown much liking for taking the foot off the pedal so far this tournament and assistant coach John Cartwright said the Kangaroos would likely again go for the jugular early in the match.

"We focus a lot of attention on our first 20, that can set the trend for the game," Cartwright said.

"The final is going to be played under totally different circumstances to the lead-up games - there's a lot more desperation and there's that little bit of x-factor everybody wants to bring to the game.

"It'll be more intense and it'll be probably a lot more physical."

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