Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi-final game against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
The 22-year-old aggravated a hamstring injury in the quarter-final victory over South Africa last weekend and was bracketed with Adam Ashley-Cooper when the team was named Friday on the proviso that he could prove his fitness on Saturday morning.
One of Australia's most potent attacking threats, Beale failed to appear for the team photo at the captain's run session at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday and a team spokesman later confirmed he would not play.
Adam Ashley-Cooper will move from centre to play his 20th Test at fullback with big-tackling Anthony Faingaa coming in to partner Pat McCabe in midfield and Rob Horne taking a place among the replacements.
Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu retains his place after receiving treatment on an ankle injury.
The France halfback Dimitri Yachvili, whose personal challenge is a badly bruised thigh, will start for France against Wales on Saturday but hands over kicking duties to halfback partner Morgan Parra.
If Yachvili is forced to leave the field, uncapped utility back Jean Marc Doussain will take over, leaving Parra free to concentrate on his goal-kicking duties rather than revert to his specialist position of halfback.
The injury causing immensely more concern in New Zealand is the ankle problem afflicting All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw, who has barely trained this week while he manages a chronic right foot injury.
McCaw's contribution as leader and openside flanker is crucial to the All Blacks' cause and he will play through the pain barrier tomorrow.
After a week of heavy showers, the sun finally shone on Eden Park on Friday at the start of a weekend which will feature the best attacking sides in the tournament.
Wales are brimming with confidence after disposing of Ireland last weekend while France believe they have unfinished business after losing two of their pool matches, including an embarrassing defeat by Tonga.
