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Wallabies change one as Sio returns

Teddington - Loosehead prop Scott Sio was recalled by Australia for the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday, after recovering from a right elbow injury that forced him to miss the semi-final win over Argentina.

Sio replaced James Slipper in the only change to the starting lineup, adding ballast to the scrum after the Wallabies' struggles in that department against the Pumas, and in the quarterfinal against Scotland. Slipper moves to the bench in place of Toby Smith.

Fullback Israel Folau was declared fit even though he has been struggling with an ankle injury.

Inside centre Matt Giteau is the only player in the team who featured in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final against England. Adam Ashley-Cooper will face the All Blacks for the 29th time in his test career, equalling the all-time record held by David Campese.

Teams

Australia

15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 Scott Sio.

Reserves: 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.

New Zealand:

15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody

Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams

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