7 Sep 2012

Moore ruled out for Wallabies

5:32 am on 7 September 2012

The Wallabies have suffered a major blow ahead of their must-win Rugby Championship clash with South Africa in Perth on Saturday, with veteran hooker Stephen Moore ruled out of the test.

Moore suffered a low grade strain in his right hamstring at Wallabies training on Thursday, with scans confirming he will miss at least this match against the Springboks.

The Brumbies number two was set to surpass Jeremy Paul as the most capped Australian hooker of all time, but must now wait to write his name into the history books with a 73rd appearance for his country.

Tatafu Polota-Nau has been called into the starting line-up with Queensland rake Saia Fainga'a on the bench.

Australia, who are fighting to remain the world number two side, must beat the Springboks to maintain their ranking and alleviate pressure on under-siege coach Robbie Deans.