The NSW Waratahs' quest to take out the inaugural Super Rugby AUS title has been given a massive boost with Wallaby lock Matt Philip cleared to play against the Western Force on Sunday.
Philip was cited out of their opening round defeat to the Force in Sydney after collecting centre Boston Fakafauna high.
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The incident happened in the first half, with the experienced lock hitting the former Australia U20s star high while he was on the ground, being put into touch.
The former Rebel was initially handed a three-match ban for his actions, which would've ruled him out of the decider.
However, Philip has been approved to complete World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme, allowing the ban to be reduced by a week.
The 31-year-old skippered the Waratahs in their opening round defeat, with centre Lawson Creighton taking the reins as skipper in previous weeks.
Phillip made his debut for the club during the British & Irish Lions, also suiting up for AUNZ after returning from Japanese Rugby.
The NSW side stormed into the Final after back-to-back victories against the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies, including a bonus-point win over the Reds.
This ensured their place in the Final despite the Reds' win over the Western Force, with head-to-head record the deciding factor if teams are tied on points. As for the Force, they locked in hosting rights at Wanneroo after bonus points wins over the Waratahs and Brumbies.
It'll cap off a big weekend in the west, with the second Bledisloe Cup to be held at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
The two teams will confirm their sides for the Final on Wednesday, with Ben Donaldson among the likely big names for the Force.
