Australia close to full-fitness ahead of Argentina World Cup semi-final

Image: David Pocock (right) missed Australia's win over Scotland with an injury picked up against Wales

Coach Michael Cheika is increasingly confident Australia will be back to full-strength for Sunday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

David Pocock, who was missed at the breakdown in the dramatic 35-34 win over Scotland on Sunday, is making steady progress from a calf injury suffered in the final pool match against Wales, although the No 8 is yet to take part in full-contact training. 

Cheika expects Pocock to be fit and is also hopeful fullback Israel Folau, who missed the Scotland match with an ankle injury, will be back.

"Pocock is moving along really nicely as well because he's run already," Cheika said. "We're really pleased with that, that's a good sign.

"We won't bring him back and say 'come into training lad and do everything' just progress him through. I'm really positive about him playing."

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Image: Prop Scott Sio (centre) could be fit to face Argentina after hurting his elbow against Scotland

Loosehead prop Scott Sio, who hurt his elbow against the Scots, underwent scans on Monday and the early diagnosis is encouraging ahead of the Pumas clash. 

"Scott Sio is moving along OK. We'll need a couple of days to check him out but we're really happy with the way he's come up today," added Cheika, who is expected to confirm his team on Friday.

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"The scan showed it wasn't as bad as it could have been, so he's moving along nicely."

Image: Michael Cheika is optimistic he will have a full-strength squad to pick from to face the Pumas

Pocock's return would represent a huge boost for the Wallabies after his impressive form in the early stages of the tournament. 

"We definitely needed someone over the ball probably a bit stronger especially in the defensive side of things too," said replacement flanker Sean McMahon.

"Just to retain a bit of ball and get some back off them because Scotland did really well to get good ball running and good advantage line. We definitely needed a bit of ball in that area."   

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