Israel Folau
David Pocock
Israel Folau and David Pocock are on course to return to Australia’s start line-up for the Rugby World Cup semifinal against Argentina on Sunday, coach Michael Cheika said Monday.
However, 1st choice prop Scott Sio is a doubt and is to undergo a scan on his elbow which forced him to leave the fray early in the thrilling 35 / 34 win over Scotland on Sunday.
Pocock – who in a stroke of genius has been switched from flanker to No 8 by Cheika and was instrumental in the pool game win over humiliated hosts England – missed the quarterfinal because of a calf injury he suffered in the 15 / 6 win over Wales.
Fullback Folau has been struggling with an ankle problem since the 33 / 13 win over the English and the game against Scotland was the 1st Test he had missed since making his debut in 2013.
“Pocock ran yesterday pain-free, so he’s looking more promising,” said Cheika.
“Folau will run again tomorrow so I’d say it’s more chance that they will play than they won’t at this stage.
“Sio’s going to get a scan now. He’s still very reduced in motion because he’s got a big haematoma there in his elbow, so he hasn’t got a lot of range.”
Cheika will name his side on Friday.
rugby365