Rugby World Cup
Israel Folau and David Pocock passed fit to start for Wallabies
Sam Bruce
October 23, 2015
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Australia have received a massive boost ahead of their Rugby World Cup semifinal with Israel Folau and David Pocock both named to start against Argentina on Sunday.

The key duo had been in doubt all week after sitting out the thrilling quarterfinal win over Scotland; Folau battling an ankle injury and Pocock struggling with a calf complaint.

But both men were able to train on Friday morning, the pair doing enough to satisfy Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and the team's medical staff they were ready to face the Pumas.

"Dave's a critical part of this team, experience-wise, what he can do with the ball on the ground; so yeah he's an influential player in our team," Wallabies vice-captain Michael Hooper said of Pocock.

© Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

While Pocock and Folau will take to Twickenham on Sunday, the news wasn't good for prop Scott Sio who was unable to overcome an elbow injury suffered in last week's win over Scotland.

Sio's place in the run-on side has been taken by James Slipper while Kurtley Beale and Ben McCalman drop back to the bench to accommodate the returns of Folau and Pocock.

Pocock's inclusion is seen as particularly vital after the Wallabies struggled to disrupt the Scottish breakdown at Twickenham last Sunday.

Australia team to face Argentina:

Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Rob Simmons, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, James Slipper.

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Toby Smith, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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