Michael Cheika will be without key men David Pocock and Israel Folau for Australia's RWC quarter-final against Scotland.

Australia handed cruel double blow

  • David Pocock and Israel Folua ruled out of Australia’s RWC quarter-final against Scotland
  • Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale replace them in the starting XV
  • Matt Giteau and Stephen Moore set to win 100th caps
Michael Cheika will be without key duo David Pocock and Israel Folau for Australia’s RWC quarter-final against Scotland on Sunday.

Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale have been chosen to replace the duo at number eight and full-back respectively

Head coach Cheika has given Pocock (calf) and Folau (ankle) time to prove their match fitness after sustaining injuries in the Pool A-deciding win last week over Wales. However, today had to admit neither were ready to take their place in his starting XV.

Meanwhile, some better news for the Wallabies as centre Matt Giteau has been passed fit and will win his 100th Test cap, as does skipper and hooker Stephen Moore.

Veteran winger Adam Ashley-Cooper will become the third-most capped Wallaby of all time with his 112th Test, overtaking flanker George Smith.


Australia: Beale, Ashley-Cooper, Kuridrani, Giteau, Mitchell, Foley, Genia; Sio, Moore (capt), Kepu, Douglas, Simmons, Fardy, Hooper, McCalman.

Replacements: Polota-Nau, Slipper, Holmes, Mumm, McMahon, Phipps, Toomua, Cooper.