David Pocock and Israel Folau fit for Australia in World Cup v Argentina

Image: David Pocock has been passed fit to face Argentina

David Pocock and Israel Folau have been passed fit for Australia’s World Cup semi-final with Argentina, but prop Scott Sio has been ruled out.

Pocock (calf), the Wallabies' hugely influential No 8, and full-back Folau (ankle) both missed the dramatic quarter-final win over Scotland last week, but they are fit to return at Twickenham on Sunday afternoon.

James Slipper, the man whose poor pass against the Scots almost cost the Aussies a place in the last four, replaces the injured Sio who picked up an elbow injury in last weekend's 35-34 victory.

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Prop Toby Smith, who has just two caps, is named on the bench in place of the promoted Slipper.

The recall of Pocock and Folau means Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale drop back down to the bench. Utility back Quade Cooper and flanker Sean McMahon lose their places in the 23.

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With a combined 876 caps it is the most experienced Australia starting line-up ever in a World Cup match.

Coach Michael Cheika said he has every confidence in Slipper, who will be winning his 73rd cap.

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"James has been pushing for a starting spot with his performances as a finisher and I know he'll take it with both hands," he said. 

"James is a leader in our squad and has performed well through this tournament so far and in the lead-up matches. 

"This weekend is a great opportunity for the lads to improve on last week and take advantage of the chance to play on such a big stage. This weekend we want to make Australia proud of their team."

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia; 1 James Slipper, 2 Stephen Moore (c), 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Kane Douglas, 5 Rob Simmons, 6 Scott Fardy, 7 Michael Hooper, 8 David Pocock.

Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale.

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