The Wallabies have suffered their first notable injury of the Rugby World Cup, with James O’Connor ruled of Saturday’s group match against Uruguay in Oita.
O’Connor, who was named on the reserves bench as outside back cover, has been replaced by Samu Kerevi.
An Australian team statement said the 29-year-old had suffered a corked muscle in training and “pulled up sore” on Saturday morning.
O’Connor and Kerevi were the starting midfield in the two opening matches against Fiji and Wales but were replaced this week by Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani.
WALLABIES
Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Jordan Petaia, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Faingaa, James Slipper. Res: Jordan Uelese, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Rory Arnold, David Pocock, Will Genia, James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper.