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Australia prop Scott Sio passed fit for Rugby World Cup final

Australia prop Scott Sio
Image: Scott Sio has been training this week after recovering from injury

Prop Scott Sio is back in the Australia team for Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand at Twickenham.

The loose-head had to sit out Sunday's semi-final victory over Argentina due to an elbow injury but has been passed fit for the decider, meaning James Slipper drops to the bench.

Sio is widely regarded as the best scrummager in the Australia squad and his availability is a major boost to their chances.

Coach Michael Cheika said on Thursday: "It's not a risk (selecting Sio). You can't hide there, where he's playing."

Sio said: "Yesterday was going to be the marker and I got through training really well, through all the scrums, mauls and the line-outs.

"Part of this process is being honest with yourself and honest with the team. I was honest, I said it felt really good."

The Wallabies are unchanged otherwise because world class full-back Israel Folau has also been given the green light to start despite the fact he has been struggling with an ankle injury.

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Stephen Moore (centre) will captain Australia in Saturday's World Cup final
Image: Stephen Moore (centre) will captain Australia in Saturday's World Cup final

Matt Giteau, who came on as a replacement when Australia last reached the final in 2003, starts at inside-centre.

The Wallabies are bidding to win the World Cup for the third time, having previously triumphed in 1991 and 1999.

New Zealand unchanged for final
New Zealand unchanged for final

Steve Hansen sticks with team that defeated South Africa

And head coach Michael Cheika said the team's final preparations have been concentrated on specific aspects of their game that he wants to perfect before they face the All Blacks, who are bidding to defend their crown.

Cheika said: "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 the previous matches.

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

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. 

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