Rugby: Wallabies hit by double injury blow ahead of test

AAP

8 Sep, 2014 05:00 PM2 mins to read

Michael Hooper of the Wallabies fends off a tackle by Tendai Mtawarira of the Springboks during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian and South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

The Wallabies have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their Rugby Championship clash with Argentina on the Gold Coast with stalwarts Adam Ashley-Cooper and Wycliff Palu ruled out.

Vice-captain Ashley-Cooper will miss a week with an ongoing neck problem. Bullocking No8 Palu suffered a head knock in the 24-23 win over South Africa in Perth.

While Palu was replaced by Scott Higginbotham, who now looks certain to start against the Pumas, Ashley-Cooper played out the 80 minutes on the wing at Paterson Stadium. The 97-test back has been managing a nerve compression injury to his neck which was exacerbated against the Springboks.

Peter Betham and Joe Tomane appear to be the most likely wing options for Saturday night's clash at Cbus Super Stadium with Henry Speight still to recover from a hamstring problem.

"It's disappointing to lose two experienced members of our squad ahead of what is an extremely important game against Argentina," said coach Ewen McKenzie.

"However, this year we've taken a proactive approach to making early decisions around guys carrying injuries, which is the case here.

"As is always the case with sport, the next guy in line now gets a chance to step up and take advantage of the opportunity they'll be given."

McKenzie has called Queensland Reds No8 Jake Schatz into camp as an additional training squad member, joining halfback Will Genia, hooker Saia Faingaa and New South Wales prop Benn Robinson.

Meanwhile, he has heard the calls for an all-Waratahs backline and even admits it's a fair argument, but Matt Toomua isn't going anywhere.

Toomua, the man keeping Kurtley Beale out of the Wallabies' No12 jersey and breaking up the successful New South Wales inside back combination, continues to be a lock for Australia's campaign.

A favourite of McKenzie for his punishing defence, direct running, ball-playing smarts and big boot, the Brumbies playmaker will again line up at inside centre against Argentina.

It will continue to irk many who believe the Wallabies would be more dangerous with Beale, now back on the bench, teamed beside halves Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps.