Folau, Sio to start

The Wallabies’ World Cup hopes have received a major boost with the return of dynamic young prop Scott Sio, while Michael Cheika has backed Israel Folau to overcome a form slump and help lead the Australian attack at Twickenham.

Sio missed Australia’s semifinal against Argentina with a deep bruise on his elbow but trained on Wednesday and was the only change to the Wallabies’ starting line up for Saturday’s historic first World Cup final against the All Blacks.

The 24-year-old replaces Queensland prop James Slipper, who drops back to the bench, while Toby Smith misses out on the 23.

Folau will start at fullback, as expected, despite furious debate over whether playing the dual international with an ankle injury has the potential to make him a target and harm the Wallabies’ chances against the reigning world champions.

Kurtley Beale, in the form of his career, will again come off the bench as one of Cheika’s prized ‘‘finishers’’, a role he has made his own this tournament.

David Pocock once again lines up at No 8 in a Wallabies back row built on speed and agility, while Matt Giteau has bounced back from a groin strain to take the field outside Wallabies halves pairing Will Genia and Bernard Foley.

But all eyes were on the front row this week as team specialists monitored the swelling and bleeding on Sio’s elbow. He was sorely missed against Argentina, who won four penalties in the scrum after exploiting his absence from the front row.

The Wallabies held on to beat the Pumas 29-15 and advance to the final but Sio’s return reduces Australia’s exposure at the set piece.