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Stars David Pocock and Israel Folau return for Wallabies RWC Semifinal vs Argentina

BY Grant Constable  ·  Friday Oct 23, 2015

The Wallabies are boosted by the return of David Pocock and Israel Folau for their Rugby World Cup Semi Final showdown with Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday. They have both been declared fully fit after Friday’s training session, and will take their place in the starting XV.

Loosehead James Slipper replaces injured Scott Sio (elbow) in the starting lineup too, while Toby Smith comes on to the reserves bench for the Wallabies’ sixth World Cup Semi Final appearance.

Vice-Captain Michael Hooper will have the honour of making his 50th Test appearance in the final four clash as the Wallabies battle for a place in the Rugby World Cup Final.

Quarter-Final starters Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale revert to the bench due to Pocock and Folau returning. Drew Mitchell will once again line up on the wing, needing just one more try to draw level with Bryan Habana and Jonah Lomu as the all-time Rugby World Cup leading try scorer. 

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “James [Slipper] has been pushing for a starting spot with his performances as a finisher and I know he’ll take it with both hands. James is a leader in our squad and has performed well through this tournament so far and in the lead-up matches.
 
“This weekend is a great opportunity for the lads to improve on last week and take advantage of the chance to play on such a big stage. This weekend we want to make Australia proud of their team.”

Kick-off at Twickenham, London, is on Sunday, 4pm local time (3am Monday, October 26 AEDT)

Wallabies team:
James Slipper, Stephen Moore (c), Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Will Genia, Bernard Foley, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Tevita Kuridrani, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau, Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Toby Smith, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale

AUDIO: Hear from Matt Giteau and Scott Fardy ahead of the match

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