The top two ranked teams in rugby will expect to maintain their winning records at the World Cup on Sunday when favourites New Zealand travel to Scotland and Australia take on Fiji.

The constantly improving Wallabies face the free-running Fijians in the first match of the day at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Montpellier and coach John Connolly will expect nothing less than a comprehensive victory.

Both sides are unbeaten in Pool B and both have 12 points from their two victories, though the Wallabies top the group courtesy of a superior try record.

Fiji coach Ilie Tabua clearly believes his side's best hope of qualifying for the quarter-finals comes in their final group match against Wales and has therefore rested his leading players for the showdown with the Wallabies.

Australia crushed Fiji 49-0 in a one-off Test in June so Tabua may be wise in saving his best for the Wales showdown on September 9.

Fiji have only once before reached the quarter-finals - at the inaugural event in 1987 - and matching that feat this year would be a huge achievement for the Pacific Islanders after their less-than-ideal build up to the World Cup.

Australia coach John Connolly is taking no chances and has named his strongest line-up, minus injured skipper Stirling Mortlock, out with a shoulder injury.

In the absence of the powerful centre, former skipper George Gregan (pictured) captain's the side, equalling Will Carling's record of leading his country in 59 matches.

Scotland's coach Frank Hadden has adopted a similar selection policy to Tabua and taken the controversial decision to rest many of his senior internationals for the game at Murrayfield.

The Scots have never beaten New Zealand and Hadden is focusing on their final Pool C game with Italy to earn their ticket through to the knock-out stages.

Only Chris Paterson, playing at stand off, and wing Simon Webster are retained from the XV that defeated Romania last week.

New Zealand have named a side that again reflects the strength-in-depth of their squad, with coach Graham Henry offering few clues as to what their first-choice line-up will be.

The centre and wing berths seem the most in doubt and Conrad Smith keeps his place in the midfield alongside Luke McAllister.

Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu are on the wings for Scotland, with Joe Rokocoko the other player competing for one of the spots.

If Howlett scores against Scotland he will set a record of 47 tries for New Zealand.

Reuben Thorne, normally a loose forward, starts in the second row, with flanker Richie McCaw again captaining the side.

POOL B: Australia v Fiji

Australia: Chris Latham, 14-Drew Mitchell, 13-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12-Matt Giteau, 11-Lote Tuqiri, 10-Berrick Barnes, 9-George Gregan (capt), 8-Wycliff Palu, 7-Phil Waugh, 6-Rocky Elsom, 5-Daniel Vickerman, 4-Mark Chisholm, 3-Guy Shepherdson, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-Matt Dunning.

Replacements: 16-Adam Freier, 17-Greg Holmes, 18-Hugh McMeniman, 19-Stephen Hoiles, 20-Sam Cordingley, 21-Scott Staniforth, 22-Julian Huxley

Fiji: 15-Norman Ligairi, 14-Vilimoni Delasau, 13-Maleli Kunavore, 12-Seremaia Bai (capt), 11-Isoa Neivua, 10-Waisea Luveniyali. 9-Jone Daunivucu, 8-Jone Qovu, 7-Aca Ratuva, 6-Netani Talei, 5-Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4-Isoa Domolailai, 3-Henry Qiodravu, 2-Vereniki Sauturaga, 1-Alefoso Yalayalatabua.

Replacements: 16 Bill Gadolo, 17-Jone Railomo, 18-Wame Lewaravu, 19-Sisa Koyamaibole, 20-Mosese Rauluni, 21-Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 22-Seru Rabeni.

POOL C: New Zealand v Scotland

New Zealand: 15-Leon McDonald, 14-Doug Howlett, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Luke McAlister, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10-Dan Carter, 9-Byron Kelleher, 8-Rodney So'oialo, 7-Richie McCaw (capt), 6-Chris Masoe, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Reuben Thorne, 3-Carl Hayman, 2-Anton Oliver, 1-Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16-Andrew Hore, 17-Neemia Tialata, 18-Chris Jack, 19-Sione Lauaki, 20-Brendon Leonard, 21-Nick Evans, 22-Isaia Toeava.

Scotland: 15-Hugo Southwell, 14-Nikki Walker, 13-Marcus Di Rollo, 12-Andrew Henderson, 11-Simon Webster, 10-Chris Paterson, 9-Chris Cusiter, 8-David Callam, 7-John Barclay, 6-Kelly Brown, 5-Scott Murray (capt), 4-Scott McLeod, 3-Craig Smith, 2-Scott Lawson, 1-Alasdair Dickinson.

Replacements: 16-Fergus Thomson, 17-Gavin Kerr, 18-Jim Hamilton, 19-Allister Hogg, 20-Rory Lawson, 21-Dan Parks, 22-Rob Dewey.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport