Inspirational backrower David Pocock and attacking weapon Israel Folau have been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland on Sunday in a major setback for Australia.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika delayed announcing his starting line-up to give Pocock (calf) and Folau (ankle) time to prove their fitness after sustaining injuries in the Pool A-deciding win last week over Wales.
He revealed later Friday that Ben McCalman would replace Pocock at No. 8 and Kurtley Beale would come in for Folau at fullback.
Michael Hooper will return at openside after missing the Wales match because of a suspension.
Skipper Stephen Moore and center Matt Giteau are set to earn their 100th test caps in the match.
Australia
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (captain)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. Ben McCalman
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Kurtley Beale
Replacements
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Greg Holmes
19. Dean Mumm
20. Sean McMahon
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Quade Cooper
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