Mumm named on Wallabies bench

Former Exeter Chiefs skipper Dean Mumm has been included in Australia's 23-man squad for Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand at Twickenham.

The 31-year-old has been named on the bench for the Wallabies, who have recalled prop Scott Sio in their only change to the side that defeated Argentina in the semi-final.

Sio sat out the last match with a damaged elbow and replaces James Slipper, who is included alongside Mumm on the bench.

Full-back Israel Folau, who has been battling an ankle injury and only lasted an hour against Argentina, has been cleared to play as has centre Matt Giteau, who hurt his groin playing against the Pumas.

Giteau, 33, is the lone survivor from Australia's last World Cup final - the 2003 defeat by England.

"We'll be doing our best to make Australia proud of its rugby team," said head coach Michael Cheika.
"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."

Australia's match-day squad of 23 has a combined 1,205 caps, compared to New Zealand's 1,339 caps.

The Wallabies are looking to win the World Cup for the third time after previous successes in 1991 and 1999.

Australia team to face New Zealand: Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (captain), Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock.

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.