Rugby: Wallabies without Fardy for Italian test

The battling Wallabies' forward pack must put their European tour back on track against Italy without their most abrasive ruck warrior, Scott Fardy.

Fardy has been ruled out of this weekend's test at Turin's Stadio Olympico due to the heavy head knock he suffered in the tour-opening 20-13 loss to England.

The aggressive blindside flanker may have been cleared to play after passing a series of concussion protocols, but coach Ewen McKenzie has been quick to rest him and get on with preparations.

"We've got to be mindful of how these things pan out, and also give ourselves the best chance to prepare, so we've made an early call on it."

It's a blow for the Wallabies as the fearless Fardy has been one of their most consistent and dynamic forwards since starting against the All Blacks in late August.

The Brumbies lock, 29, was one of Australia's best at Twickenham before being knocked out in the 50th minute. The Wallabies were up 13-6 at the time, and his fearless work at the breakdown was missed as they fell into a heap late.

"He's a pretty good campaigner. He's new on the test scene but he's got a good instinct for the game," McKenzie said.

Western Force No8 Ben McCalman is now likely to come into the back row, potentially moving captain Ben Mowen from the back of the scrum to No6 again. McCalman played solidly at No8 in the 41-33 loss to New Zealand in Dunedin three weeks ago when Fardy was out with an eye injury.

In better news for the tourists, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is being considered for his first test start of the year after injury, while lineout-calling lock Rob Simmons has shrugged off his knee injury.

- AAP