LONDON, 29 Oct - Scott Sio returns to Australia's team to face New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham at 16:00 on Saturday.
In the only change to the starting line-up that defeated Argentina in the semi-finals, Sio comes in at loose-head prop for James Slipper, who drops to the bench.
I love being part of this group. Great week of prep so far building towards the weekend. Thanks for all the support! pic.twitter.com/1EAi9Iz3DL
— David Pocock (@pocockdavid)
October 29, 2015
Matt Giteau, who starts at inside-centre, also played in the Wallabies' most recent RWC final, against England in 2003, when he came on as a replacement.
After the semi-finals, Bernard Foley was ranked fourth in RWC 2015 on 75 points, behind only Argentina's Nicolás Sánchez (89), Scotland's Greig Laidlaw (79) and South Africa's Handré Pollard (79).
Drew Mitchell has scored 14 career World Cup tries; only Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana have recorded more, with 15.
Adam Ashley-Cooper will face the All Blacks for the 29th time in his test career. This equals the all-time record held by David Campese.
Ashley-Cooper already holds the record for most test tries scored against the All Blacks with nine.
Australia
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (captain)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
Replacements:
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Greg Holmes
19. Dean Mumm
20. Ben McCalman
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Kurtley Beale
RNS ig
