Key Wallabies David Pocock, Israel Folau and Scott Sio are all in doubt for Australia’s game against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Pocock has suffered from an injured calf in the last match he played in for the Wallabies, against Wales, while Folau is suffering from an ankle injury he picked up against England.
Sio walked off the field against Scotland with his elbow in his jersey after copping a hard knock.
All three are understood to have done limited training this week. Pocock spent a small amount of time on the bike, while Folau did a very short session with the team before leaving his teammates to ice his ankle.
Sio has been off all week.
If all three are unfit, Kurtley Beale will again deputise for Folau at fullback, James Slipper will come in for Sio and Ben McCalman will retain his spot at number 8 against Argentina.
Having struggled without Pocock in their game against the Wallabies, it would be a real blow if he was ruled out against Argentina, who have a fearsome backrow trio of Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Leonardo Senatore and Pablo Matera.
All three players were immense against Ireland, and played a big part in their win that took them to the semi-final.
Sio has been instrumental in the rise of the Wallabies’ scrum in this tournament, while Folau is widely considered as Australia’s best backline player, having won back-to-back John Eales Medals for best performer for Australia.
Bazza
Guest
if Pocock is still out this week, it is not a strain...
PiratesRugby
Guest
A haematoma is just a big bruise, as I understand it. The question is what part of the elbow it is in. Same goes for the ankle. Is it a tendon or more than one? Which one and how bad? Or is it a muscle or even cartilage? Or bones? Just not enough information. The Pocock calf is a bruise and not a strain (tear). But low hamstring tears are often felt in the upper calf. Achilles' tendon tears are felt in the lower calf. In AFL, knees injuries are often called calf strains (dishonestly). Neither Folau, Pocock nor Sio need any fitness work at this stage of the tournament. Leaving them out of running or contact work won't harm their performances much but another hard knock or twist might. The sensible thing is to nurse them through the next 10 days.
Markus
Guest
McMahon has no greater impact on the breakdown than Hooper does. And I am really starting to question the 'tandem' part of Hooper and Pocock. Pocock starting definitely has a positive impact on Hooper's game, but it seems Pocock is consistently among the Wallabies' best regardless of who else is in the starting pack.
Markus
Guest
Because it doesn't really address the looming breakdown issue. McMahon is another Hooper with less pace but a bit more size - strong ball runner, strong defender but not an over the ball breakdown player. They aren't going to coach turnover skills into him in the space of three days.
NickBrisbane
Guest
Having Liam Gill as an option would be helpful
NickSA
Guest
IMHO David Pocock is the best player in the world. He is what FDP is to the springboks, what mccaw/carter are to the all blacks. I can't see the wallabies winning the world cup with out Pocock.
Hello
Roar Rookie
I think mcmahon is less of a breakdown presence then hooper. He is tough and a great runner of the ball but is not good at slow down opposition ball or winning turnovers
Daws
Guest
Yeah, love the Pooper with what both players bring but Hooper is too ineffective at the breakdown (relative to Pocock, a tough comparison I digress) which McMahon makes up for. McCalman makes good metres, Fardy is solid at the breakdown and in the set-piece while McMahon is aggressive in his defence and offence (like Hooper) except that he has a bit more presence at the breakdown.
Daws
Guest
The majority of aussie supporters respect the complete rugby that the Pumas played against Ireland last week. Get off your high horse.
zenn
Guest
It is time that we stop looking at trying to replace one player with another. Each of the five WBs backorders has a unique skills set. Hooper and Pocock are very successful tandem. McCalman and Hooper are both fine players but picking them both means less turnovers for the WBs. The solution is to pick McCalman as 8 and McMahon as 7thus giving us size and mongrel at the ruck
Kefu
Guest
If Po is not fit, bring G. Smith! He should be in the squad since the begining! McCalman = 0 turnovers!
Adrian
Roar Rookie
Spot on Dave
Toulouse Lautrec
Roar Rookie
It's pronounced "Mo-wett" He was a dutchman, not French.
Nobrain
Guest
Yes
Worlds Biggest
Guest
My preference would be George Smith if a back rower is required. Rob Horne has a shoulder injury so he might be switched out. If they went Liam Gill then no problem either. I just think Smith makes more sense, he's in London now and brings all the experience in the World. I had him in my RWC squad ahead of Palu.
chucked
Guest
keep talking yourselves up guys with comments such as you have lost to them once in 25 years and should beat them easily..that's very modest isn't it. 2013 Aust won two games by coming from behind 2014 Aust lost one game, but If we do the stupid maths invoked by roared in this article Argentina won both games as we would take out points 'Gifted' Thus the reason why it's hard to support the team playing Australia.NZ were gifted 62 points by poor French defense..so we lost.
Jokerman
Guest
The guy has talent, no doubts. Even as a kiwi in the land of plenty I can still see that you can, on the odd occasion produce some real talent, despite your origins. He's good over the ball. Great at turn overs. Rides the back of a maul like a meerkat in the desert with a sledge, and of course has great character and will protect all trees at all times, and is even willing to change his name to pro-cock for the rights of others.
kamoshika
Guest
Who would you switch out for Gill?
somer
Guest
rahrah, if you're going to play the woulda, shoulda game, the Wallabies come out far worse than the Scots - victims of a very harsh YC, Beale probably knocked on before the 1st try and of course that last ditch unearned miracle penalty. You should be exalting the rugby gods for that final 35-34 scoreline, anything else is delusional hubris.
combesy
Guest
thanks mate, unfortunately don't get the time to get on here as much anymore. Though still try to read the articles.