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Wallabies big men Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu have been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with injury, after they suffered injuries in the game against Uruguay.
The Wallabies confirmed the news today after reports surfaced earlier in the day.
They will be replaced by hooker James Hanson and lock Sam Carter, both of whom travelled with the Australian squad to the USA for their game against the Eagles.
The hitout against Uruguay was seen to be against a lesser opposition, but it appears to have come at a cost.
Palu injured his hamstring during the first half of the match and was replaced at half time.
Skelton came off midway through the second half with his arm in his jersey due to what looked like a shoulder injury.
Scans revealed Skelton had a pectoral injury.
Wallabies caoch Michael Cheika said it was disappointing to see the tournament end for Palu and Skelton after their contributions on 2015.
“Very few players have the opportunity to play for the Wallabies, let alone at a Rugby World Cup, so from that perspective I’m really gutted for them.
“From a team perspective, they both play important roles in the side and it is disappointing that we need to replace players in our squad.”
Cheika Hanson and Carter were both more than capable of replacing to the outs.
“Both James and Sam have been part of the team at various stages this season and I am confident they will be able to step up and grasp the opportunity they have been given.”
Neither player started in the Wallabies’ match against Fiji, and were unlikely to feature in the starting lineup as Australia approached the end of the tournament unless there were injuries.
This is the second time Palu has been ruled out of a World Cup with a hamstring injury, with the 33-year-old number 8 also suffering the same fate in the 2011 tournament.
The extent of Will Skelton’s injury is unclear, but he will see a specialist when he returns to Australia.
Palu and Skelton were both slated to play bit-part roles in Australia’s tilt at the Rugby World Cup, and it certainly doesn’t have too big an impact on the Wallabies’ preparations.
In other news, England number 8 Billy Vunipola has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament. Nick Easter has been brought into the squad.
Vunipola was a powerhouse in the game against Wales, but came off in the second half looking very uncomfortable.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.