18 Oct 2011

Wales name strong line-up for bronze final

11:18 pm on 18 October 2011

Wales have named their strongest available team for Friday's rugby World Cup third-place playoff against Australia.

Coach Warren Gatland has made three changes to the side which lost 9-8 to France in the semi-finals on Saturday, one forced by captain Sam Warburton's three-week ban for a dangerous tackle, Reuters reports.

Toby Faletau moves from No 8 to openside flanker in place of Warburton.

Ryan Jones comes in at No 8 and prop Paul James starts in place of the injured Adam Jones.

The game between the sides defeated in the semi-final is often an encounter unwanted by players and fans alike, but Gatland says having gained so much respect for the style of rugby they have played it is important for his side to finish on a high.

Team

Starting XV: Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, James Hook, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones, Toby Faletau, Danny Lydiate, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Paul James, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins (captain).

Reserves: Lloyd Burns, Ryan Bevington, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Lloyd Williams, Stephen Jones, Scott Williams.