Australia recall Scott Sio for Rugby World Cup final
Scott Sio returns for Australia ahead of the World Cup final
©PA
Australia have made one change for Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand with Scott Sio starting at Loosehead in an otherwise unchanged lineup from to the Wallabies’ side that defeated Argentina last Sunday.
James Slipper drops down to the bench to make way for the Brumbies prop.
Matt Giteau is Australia’s sole survivor from their last appearance in a World Cup final which came 12 years ago on home soil. Giteau has been passed fit after suffering a groin injury in the 29-15 semi-final victory over Argentina.
Meanwhile Wallabies’ Number eight David Pocock and full-back Israel Folau are both available having shown no relapse from the respective calf and ankle complaints that forced the influential duo to miss the clash with Scotland in the quarter-finals a fortnight ago.
"This week we've had a strong focus on improving certain areas in our game where we feel we haven't been at our best in previous matches," head coach Michael Cheika said.
"We still have lots of scope to improve and we'll work on that before this next match against New Zealand.
"Our lads are learning to cherish each opportunity they have in the gold jersey and this week we have that opportunity again. We'll be doing our best to make Australia proud of its rugby team."
Australia team: I Folau; A Ashley-Cooper, T Kuridrani, M Giteau, D Mitchell; B Foley, W Genia; S Sio, S Moore (capt), S Kepu, K Douglas, S Simmons, S Fardy, M Hooper, D Pocock.
Replacements: T Polota-Nau, J Slipper, G Holmes, D Mumm, B McCalman, N Phipps, M Toomua, K Beale.
