Australia have made one change for Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand after Scott Sio completed his recovery from an elbow injury.
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Sio is restored at loosehead prop, with James Slipper dropping down to the bench for the climax to England 2015 at Twickenham.
Australia have one survivor from their last appearance in a World Cup final 12 years ago in centre Matt Giteau, who has been passed fit after suffering a groin injury in the 29-15 semi-final victory over Argentina.
Number eight David Pocock and full-back Israel Folau have shown no adverse affects from the respective calf and ankle complaints that forced them to miss the clash with Scotland in the last eight.
“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.
29 – Adam Ashley-Cooper will play his 29th Test against #NZL, no player has played more against NZ for #AUS (level with Campese). Familiar.
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) October 29, 2015
“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.
