NZ Colts coach rates Aussies

SYDNEY - New Zealand Colts coach Colin Cooper believes home advantage makes Australia favourites for the final of the Southern Hemisphere under-21 rugby championship today.

Both sides are unbeaten going into the transtasman showdown at the Sydney Showgrounds. New Zealand are looking to defend the title they won last year.

"Playing at home and playing the way they have been, Australia are certainly the favourites," Cooper said.

"They're unbeaten and they're looking good, especially their backline.

"There's a lot of hunger in our side and a strong desire to do well, but we know we have to be at our best."

New Zealand head into the match without skipper Aaron Mauger. He was ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered in the final pool match against Ireland.

As a precaution, the Crusaders' first five-eighth left the field early against the Irish on Wednesday night, but failed to pass a fitness test.

"He has Super 12 experience and he's captain of the team, so it's very disappointing," Cooper said.

"But we have to move on. Hopefully the experience of [fellow backs] Jason Shoemark, Seilala Mapusua and Malili Muliaina, who were there last year, will soften the blow."

Mauger's unavailability means Wellington utility Riki Flutey moves from halfback to first five-eighth, and Otago's David Gibson wears the No 9 jersey.

Gibson, the Colts' No 1 halfback last year, will start a match for the first time in the tournament after coming back from injury.

He missed the opening pool fixture against Argentina, but came off the bench against England and Ireland.

Flanker Richard McCaw takes over the captaincy.

Cooper said the key to victory would be maintaining control of the ball.

"The team who have the most possession will come out on top."

The Australian side feature a backline containing three players with Super 12 experience - Queensland's Junior Pelesasa, and New South Wales' Sam Harris and Tui Talaia.

Pelesasa and fullback Michael Tabrett were also in the Queensland side who played the touring Lions.

Winger Ben Peterson returns to the Australian starting lineup after recovering from a groin injury.

Australia: Michael Tabrett, Ben Peterson, Junior Pelesasa, Tui Talaia, Sam Harris, Tim Donnelly, Ben Wakely, Tamaiti Horua, Tom McVerry, Ashley Elphinston, Rudi Vedelago, Mark Chisolm, Anthony Mathison, Adam Freier (capt), Ross Larsson. Reserves: Nick Byron, Adam Walsh, Andrew Farley, Scott Stumbles, Robert Miller, Tim LeNevez, Jone Tawake.

New Zealand: Shannon Paku, Malili Muliaina, Jason Shoemark, John Stewart, Seilala Mapusua, Riki Flutey, David Gibson, Steven Bates, Richard McCaw (capt), Warren Smith, Bradley Mika, Daniel Quate, Campbell Johnstone, Joe Ward, Clarke Dermody. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Tony Woodcock, Sione Lauaki, Sam Harding, Sam Tuitupou, Cameron McIntyre, Tane Tu'ipulotu.

Kickoff: 5 pm (NZ time).

- NZPA