Jenkins to lead Wales against Australia

AUCKLAND: Gethin Jenkins will captain Wales in the absence of suspended skipper Sam Warburton against Australia in Friday's World Cup third-place playoff match here at Eden Park.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was forced into a change of captain after Warburton, subsequently banned for three weeks, was sent off in Saturday's 9-8 semi-final loss to France at Eden Park for a dangerous 'tip tackle' on Vincent Clerc that ended with the French wing landing head-first.

Kiwi coach Gatland made just three changes in all to the starting side he unveiled Tuesday in a sign that Wales, whose best World Cup finish was the third place they achieved after beating Australia 22-21 in Rotorua at the inaugural 1987 tournament co-hosted by New Zealand, intend to take Friday's match seriously.

Ryan Jones comes into a reshuffled back-row at No 8 with Toby Faletau moving across to take Warburton's place as openside flanker.

Bradley Davies, who replaced Alun Wyn Jones in the 61st minute of Sunday's match, starts at lock while Paul James, on early against France following an injury to veteran prop Adam Jones, is in the front-row.

Australia, beaten 20-6 by hosts New Zealand on Sunday, are due to name their side on Wednesday.

New Zealand play France in the World Cup final at Eden Park here this Sunday. (AFP)