Captaincy setback for high-riding Wallabies
INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper on Friday pulled out of their weekend clash against Argentina, after hurting his hamstring in training, with David Pocock taking over as captain.
The experienced openside flanker was withdrawn from the game on the Gold Coast on the advice of medical staff, said coach Michael Cheika.
“He felt his hamstring a bit at training yesterday afternoon and… we just thought it was best not to push it,” he said.
“He was really keen to play this weekend but a week off will be a good thing for him to just get it right.”
Pocock, returning from injury, will fill Hooper’s position with Pete Samu resuming his role at No.8 after starring against South Africa last Saturday.
Ned Hanigan will take Samu’s place on the bench.
Australia: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Will Genia, 8 Pete Samu, 7 David Pocock (captain), 6 Lukhan Tui, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Ned Hanigan, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Jack Maddocks.
Date: Saturday, September 15
Venue: Robina Stadium, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 20.00 (07.00 Argentina time; 10.00 GMT)
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
