AUSTRALIAN coach Rod Macqueen has named an unchanged side to face France on Saturday in the World Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
The same starting XV who beat defending champions South Africa 27-21 after extra-time in the semi-finals will face the French.
The only change in the 22-man squad is prop Dan Crowley’s return for Rod Moore on the bench.
Moore was a late addition to the touring party after Patricio Noriega flew home with a shoulder strain. Macqueen brought him into the squad for the semi-final against South Africa but has preferred the greater experience of Crowley for the tournament decider.
Fly-half Stephen Larkham, who picked up a knee injury during the South Africa game, has been declared fit to take his place in the starting line-up.
Centre Tim Horan and skipper John Eales will be playing in their second World Cup finals, having helped Australia win the title with victory over England at Twickenham eight years ago.
France will name their team on Thursday and are also expected to name an unchanged side, injuries permitting.
Australian team:
Matthew Burke; Ben Tune, Daniel Herbert, Tim Horan, Joe Roff; Steve Larkham, George Gregan; Toutai Kefu, David Wilson, Matt Cockbain, John Eales (capt), David Giffin; Andrew Blades, Michael Foley, Richard Harry Replacements: Jason Little, Nathan Grey, Chris Whitaker, Mark Connors, Owen Finegan, Dan Crowley, Jeremy Paul