Influence of Warburton still important for Wales

Warburton misses the bronze medal match at Eden Park following his dismissal for a dangerous tackle on France wing Vincent Clerc in last weekend’s semi-final. He landed a three-week ban, but his influence on the squad he has led so impressively will not be forgotten.

“We said at half-time during the game with France that we wanted to do it for Sam,” Wales fly-half James Hook said. “It didn’t happen, but he has been immense for us – not just during the World Cup, but since he started playing for Wales. It would be great to get something for him and pay him back.”

Hook gains another chance at fly-half, retained in the critical playmaker’s role despite a poor performance against France.

Teams – Wales: L Halfpenny; G North, J Davies, J Roberts, S Williams; J Hook, M Phillips; G Jenkins (capt), H Bennett, P James, B Davies, L Charteris, D Lydiate, T Faletau, R Jones. Replacements: L Burns, R Bevington, A-W Jones, A Powell, L Williams, S Jones, S Williams.

Australia: K Beale; J O’Connor, A Ashley-Cooper, B Barnes, D Ioane; Q Cooper, W Genia; J Slipper, T Polota-Nau, S Ma’afu, J Horwill (capt), N Sharpe, S Higginbotham, D Pocock, B McCalman. Replacements: S Faingaa, B Alexander, R Simmons, R Samo, L Burgess, A Faingaa, R Horne.