Australia v Ireland, Rugby World Cup, September 17
Pocock misses Ireland clash
ESPNscrum Staff
September 17, 2011

Australia flanker David Pocock has been withdrawn from the Wallabies side to face Ireland in Saturday's Rugby World Cup clash.

Pocock is suffering from "soreness associated with a back strain" and has been replaced in the team by the versatile Ben McCalman, who will win his 15th cap but first as an openside flanker.

"It's more of an on-going irritation than anything serious," Australia coach Robbie Deans said. "Scans have shown nothing sinister but David is a key member of our group. We would rather give him a bit of time to get it right before putting him back out there.

"Although Ben isn't a recognised openside, he does have some recent background there and has trained in the role on a regular basis with us this year."

Wycliff Palu has been promoted to the bench for the crucial Pool C showdown at Eden Park.

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