Williams given final chance

Hip injury gives Sea Eagles winger chance in World Cup final

Last updated: 21st November 2008

Williams given final chance

Williams: Final place

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David Williams has been handed a start in the World Cup final for Australia after winger Brent Tate was forced out of the showpiece with a hip injury.

Williams, nicknamed 'Wolfman' because of his bushy beard, helped Manly Sea Eagles to win the NRL Grand Final, and was handed a surprise call-up to the Kangeroos squad as a result.

The 22-year-old grabbed a hat-trick of tries on his Test debut in Australia's 46-6 pool win against Papua New Guinea.

Williams was dropped for the semi-final with Fiji, but Tate's hip injury has handed him the chance to run out for the final against New Zealand.

The move from Ricky Stewart means that 'Wolfman' will now face the 'Beast' as Williams will line up against Kiwi powerhouse winger Manu Vatuvei in the final.

Williams only made his NRL debut this year, but scored 14 tries in 20 appearances for the Sea Eagles during the season.

Tate was responding well to treatment on his hp, but scans revealed on Thursday that he had a grade-two tear in his right hip flexor.

That means just one change for Stewart's Australian side, while New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney sticks with the team that beat England 32-22.