Warburton, 23, was inundated with praise for his performances in the pool stages and in Wales’ quarter-final clash with Ireland but he was controversially sent off for a tip tackle on wing Vincent Clerc in the 9-8 last-four defeat to France.

His subsequent three-week ban ensures he will sit out Friday’s Eden Park match for which Wales have made three changes, although Hook retains the No.10 jersey.

And Perpignan-bound Hook revealed Wales are desperate to finish third in homage to their fallen captain.

"We said at half-time during the game with France that we wanted to do it for Sam," said Hook.

"It didn't happen but he has been immense, not just in the World Cup but since he started playing for Wales.

"The semi-final loss is tough to take, but this team can go on and become a better team and get to these positions in future.

"It is important to keep our confidence up and express ourselves the way we have done throughout the tournament.

"If we can claim a Tri-Nations scalp in the southern hemisphere that will give us massive confidence going into the Six Nations later this season.”

Hook came into the starting XV against France with Rhys Priestland sidelined but the former Ospreys fly-half was far from his best – missing two of his three kicks before he was replaced by Stephen Jones shortly after half-time.

And Hook admits he has a point to prove against the Wallabies.

"It was bitterly disappointing in the last game for everyone and especially for myself," he added.

"I am delighted to get an opportunity to put it behind me and get on with what should be a huge challenge on Friday night.

"Obviously the missed kicks proved vital at the end of a game we lost by a point. That is what it came down to at the end of the day.

"We know the size of the challenge we face to come third in this tournament and to finish on a high."