Last-minute scandal adds to the drama ahead of Rugby World Cup final

— -- It wouldn't be a World Cup final without a bit of scandal at the 11th hour.

Images of Australia's game plan have been released on Friday afternoon after Michael Cheika's side had been put through their final preparations at the captain's run earlier that day.

The rogue photographer appears to have snapped images of the game plan in the hand of scrum coach Mario Ledesma.

The Wallabies are apparently intending to try and "expose" Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder, and had ideas on how to "rattle" All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read, particularly from the kick-off.

But really, is this anything new?

The Springboks went in with the same plan for Milner-Skudder, under the high ball, and had success with Bryan Habana outleaping the rookie Test flyer on more than one occasion.

Shock. Horror.

The plan to rattle Read, meanwhile, was on show during the opening Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney when Nick Phipps got stuck into the All Blacks No.8. The Wallabies No.9 got right up in the face of Read following a penalty, and the former player of the year didn't take too kindly to it.

And it's not like we haven't seen this before.

Four years ago in New Zealand, a dossier of England's Cup notes turned up at Ireland's team hotel in Wellington despite Martin Johnson's squad being stationed hundreds of miles away in Dunedin.

It was just one of many mistakes of a failed England campaign.

But Australia could not be any more different. Cheika's side have come through arguably the toughest pool in World Cup history, survived an almighty scare against Scotland, and then produced a marvellous defensive display for the second time this tournament to defeat the Pumas last Sunday.

This late piece of drama will likely anger Cheika but that is often when the Wallabies coach does his best work.

Australia have come through some tough spots already this year -- you can just add this bit of private-eye photography to the list.

It does make for great drama though. Not that this trans-Tasman decider needs it...