WALES will dedicate their final game of the Rugby World Cup to absent captain Sam Warburton when they aim for a third-place finish at Australia’s expense tomorrow.

Warburton misses the bronze medal match at Eden Park following his dismissal for a dangerous tackle on France wing Vincent Clerc in last weekend’s semi-final.

He subsequently landed a three-week ban, but the 23-year-old’s influence on the squad he has led so impressively will not be forgotten.

“We said at half-time during the game with France that we wanted to do it for Sam,” Wales fly-half James Hook said.

“It didn’t happen, but he has been immense for us - not just during the World Cup, but since he started playing for Wales.

“It would be great to get something for him and pay him back. It would be great to win something for him because he has been immense.”

Hook gains another chance at fly-half, retained in the critical playmaker’s role despite a scratchy performance against France.

“It was bitterly disappointing in the last game for everyone, and especially for myself,” Hook added.