New Zealand last lifted the World Cup in 2008, beating Australia in the final.
Australia has won the tournament 12 times; another victory would make 13, while a New Zealand win would be its second.
Dane Gagai could become the first player to win World Cup titles for two nations.
At 35, he is set to play centre for New Zealand against Australia after seven Kangaroos appearances in 2017 and 2018.
He played on the wing in Australia's 6-0 victory over England in the 2017 final.
A rule change earlier this year allowed him to represent both Queensland and New Zealand, his mother's heritage nation.
Gagai made his Kiwis debut alongside Newcastle and Maroons teammate Kalyn Ponga.
He said a New Zealand victory would be deeply personal: "I'm doing it for her, I'm doing it for myself, and doing it for New Zealand. If we can win the World Cup, it would be pretty special."