Wallabies lose big names to injury ahead of Bok clash

SQUAD UPDATE: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has trimmed his squad ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Six players will return to Australia with Jack Maddocks and Rob Valetini released for club duties this weekend.

Scott Sio (adductor) and Christian Lealiifano (shoulder) will miss the Test against South Africa and will now complete their injury rehabilitation in their home cities before re-joining the squad in Brisbane next week.

Tom Robertson suffered an ankle injury at training on Tuesday and will return to Sydney for scans but it is expected that he will miss next weekend’s clash with Argentina at Suncorp Stadium.

Marika Koroibete will also fly home to Melbourne to be with his family after the birth of his second child and will meet the official squad in Brisbane.

Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes will now join the squad in Johannesburg.

Michael Cheika will name his side for the clash against South Africa on Thursday in Johannesburg.

The side will then travel to Brisbane for their first home Test of 2019 when they face Argentina at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, July 27.