Friday, March 29, 2024

Wallabies' fullback Folau late withdrawal with ankle injury

Wallabies' fullback Folau late withdrawal with ankle injury
September 8, 2018
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia have been hit by another late injury blow ahead of their Rugby Championship clash with South Africa in Brisbane later on Saturday with fullback Israel Folau ruled out with an ankle injury. Folau suffered the injury in the opening Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand three weeks ago and missed the return game in Auckland the following week. He appeared to have recovered in time to face the Springboks but becomes the second withdrawal from the side named by coach Michael Cheika on Thursday after loose forward David Pocock was ruled out with a neck injury. Cheika has moved Dane Haylett-Petty from the right wing to fullback for the clash at Lang Park with Jack Maddocks promoted from the bench to start in the number 14 jersey. Tom Banks has come onto the bench and is likely to earn his second test cap against a Springboks side that suffered a 32-19 loss to Argentina two weeks ago in Mendoza. The Wallabies are bottom of the southern hemisphere championship after losing their first two games to the All Blacks. Updated team: 15-Dane Haylett-Petty, 14-Jack Maddocks, 13-Reece Hodge, 12-Matt Toomua, 11-Marika Koroibete, 10-Kurtley Beale, 9-Will Genia, 8-Pete Samu, 7-Michael Hooper (captain), 6-Lukhan Tui, 5-Adam Coleman, 4-Rory Arnold, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 2-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1-Scott Sio. Replacements: 16-Folau Faingaa, 17-Tom Robertson, 18-Taniela Tupou, 19-Izack Rodda, 20-Ned Hanigan, 21-Joe Powell, 22-Bernard Foley, 23-Tom Banks.