18 Oct 2011

Wales name strongest lineup for third place playoff

6:43 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's made three changes to the side which lost 9-8 to France in the semi-finals, one forced by captain Sam Warburton's three-week ban.

Toby Faletau moves from number eight to openside flanker in place of Warburton.

Ryan Jones comes in at number eight 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've played it's important for his side to finish on a high.