Cecchin has come under fire for not sending a late Andrew Fifita try to the video referee that would have, if awarded, seen Tonga in the final against Australia.

Tonga were trailing 20-0 in the final ten minutes before three quick tries had them within reach of an epic victory.

In the final seconds, Tonga forward Andrew Fifita looked to have had the ball stripped by an England player before regathering and scoring a try.

Cecchin ruled Fifita knocked the ball on and did not send the play to the video referee for review.

Gerard Sutton has been appointed for the match, despite referees boss Tony Archer defending Cecchin’s on-field decision.

"It was obviously a difficult decision to pick the referee for the final after Matt Cecchin's and Gerry's excellent performances in the semi-finals and throughout the tournament," Archer said.

"But I'm confident were have chosen the right person to do job.

"I've been very satisfied with the performances of our officials."