AUSTRALIA HEAD COACH Michael Cheika has been able to recall captain David Pocock and Israel Folau to his starting line-up for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against Argentina (4pm) in Twickenham.

The pair, a world class back row and fullback respectively, missed out on the narrow quarter-final win over Scotland last weekend but have been able shake off calf and ankle problems to tackle the Pumas.

The returning stars mean that back row Ben McCalman and utility back Kurtley Beale drop out of the starting XV and take a seat among the replacements, with Sean McMahon and Quade Cooper dropping out of the matchday 23.

There is one enforced change to Cheika’s side with James Slipper pulling on the number one jersey in place of the injured Scott Sio.

Australia (v Argentina)

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 (captain)
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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