Pocock and Folau fit for Rugby World Cup Semi Final showdown with Argentina
David Pocock and Israel Folau will return to action for the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup 2015 Semi-Final against Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday (Monday 3am AEDT).
Pocock and Folau have been declared fully fit for the clash after Friday’s training session and will take their place in the starting XV, along with prop James Slipper who replaces the injured Scott Sio (elbow).
Slipper, who captained the side against the USA Eagles in Chicago last month, will start at loosehead prop while Toby Smith comes on to the reserves bench as the Wallabies prepare for their sixth Rugby World Cup Semi-Final appearance.
Vice-Captain Michael Hooper will have the honour of making his 50th Test appearance in the final four clash as the Wallabies battle for a place in the Rugby World Cup Final.
Drew Mitchell will once again line up on the wing, needing just one more try to draw level with Bryan Habana and Jonah Lomu as the all-time Rugby World Cup leading try scorer.
With the return of Pocock and Folau, Quarter-Final starters Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale revert to the bench.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “James has been pushing for a starting spot with his performances as a finisher and I know he’ll take it with both hands.
“James is a leader in our squad and has performed well through this tournament so far and in the lead-up matches.
“This weekend is a great opportunity for the lads to improve on last week and take advantage of the chance to play on such a big stage.”
“This weekend we want to make Australia proud of their team.”
Wallabies team to play Argentina in Rugby World Cup 2015 Semi-Final #2 at Twickenham, London, Sunday, October 25, 4pm local time (3am Monday, October 26 AEDT) LIVE on FOX SPORTS 502 from 2:15am AEDT and GEM from 2:30am AEDT Monday
1. James Slipper (72 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (c) (100 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (61 Tests)
4. Kane Douglas (21 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons (58 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy (28 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (vc) (49 Tests)
8. David Pocock (53 Tests)
9. Will Genia (64 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (25 Tests)
11. Drew Mitchell (68 Tests)
12. Matt Giteau (100 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (29 Tests)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc) (112 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (36 Tests)
Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (59 Tests)
17. Toby Smith (2 Tests)
18. Greg Holmes (22 Tests)
19. Dean Mumm (42 Tests)
20. Ben McCalman (45 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (36 Tests)
22. Matt Toomua (29 Tests)
23. Kurtley Beale (58 Tests)
Courtesy of Australian Rugby
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