Wallabies lose star loose forward at the last minute

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has been withdrawn from tomorrow night’s clash with Argentina at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

David Pocock will skipper the side in Hooper’s absence and shifts into the number seven jersey while Pete Samu resumes his role at number 8, after starring against South Africa last weekend. Ned Hanigan comes on to the bench.

Hooper trained on Thursday on the Gold Coast but medical staff decided not to risk the 26-year old tomorrow night.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “He felt his hamstring a bit at training yesterday afternoon and with his recent history, we just thought it was best not to push it.

“He was really keen to play this weekend but a week off will be a good thing for him to just get it right,” Cheika said.

It’s the second consecutive time the Wallabies have had a late scratch in the loose forwards, with Pocock pulling out last weekend with a neck injury.

WALLABIES

15. Dane Haylett-Petty, 14. Israel Folau, 13. Reece Hodge, 12. Matt Toomua, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Kurtley Beale, 9. Will Genia, 8. Pete Samu, 7. David Pocock (C), 6. Lukhan Tui, 5. Izack Rodda, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Scott Sio.
Reserves: 16. Folau Faingaa, 17. Sekope Kepu, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Adam Coleman, 20. Ned Hanigan, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Bernard Foley, 23. Jack Maddocks.

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