21 Sep 2011

More injury concerns for Wallabies

6:43 pm on 21 September 2011

The injury concerns for the Wallabies continue with openside flanker David Pocock still unavailable and fellow loosie Scott Higginbotham being withdrawn this morning because of a back complaint.

The Wallabies have named their second youngest World Cup starting lineup for their pool C match against the United States in Wellington on Friday night.

Pocock will miss his second match and is again replaced by Ben McCalman, while Rocky Elsom takes over at 6.

Captain James Horwill has been rested for the match, with scrumhalf Will Genia to lead the side.

Veteran lock Nathan Sharpe replaces Horwill in the second row, one of seven changes from the side that started against Ireland.

Meanwhile the USA coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made 14 changes to his starting lineup with the only player to retain his spot in the starting line-up from the Russia match being second rower Hayden Smith.

Six of the players that were not chosen in the first 22 against Ireland and Russia were promoted to the starting line-up.