Both teams look to have been significantly strengthened for the second of the World Cup semi-finals with David Pocock and Israel Folau having recovered from injury to return to the Australian line-up while Marcelo Bosch has completed his suspension so can return to Argentina’s starting XV.
All three of those players have the potential to wield considerable influence on proceedings.
The Wallabies’ inability to field their twin openside partnership of Pocock, wearing the No.8 shirt and Michael Hooper, having clearly reduced their potency at the breakdown against both Wales and Scotland in the past two weeks, while Israel Folau is their most dynamic back.
Bosch meanwhile brings vast experience to his auxiliary play-making role in Argentina’s midfield where the way he combines with Juan Martin Hernandez and Nicolas Sanchez has brought an entirely different dimension to a team that has come a long way from the days when they were considered to be solely dependent on brute force.
However the capacity of all three to impose themselves could be affected by the day’s other injury news which seemed to favour the underdog Pumas.
Their captain Agustin Creevy has been cleared to take his place at hooker after having struggled with a leg injury, whereas there was no such luck for Australia’s Scott Sio who has not recovered from the elbow damage he suffered during their quarter-final meeting with Scotland.
Ahead of a meeting with renowned scrummagers there are parallels to be drawn with theis antipodean neighbours since the All Blacks have had to call upon Joe Moody, who was called into their squad just last week, for their clash with South Africa.
However Michael Cheika, the Wallabies head coach, is able to turn to a very familiar figure since although James Slipper is only 26 he already has 72 caps to his name.
“James has been pushing for a starting spot with his performances as a finisher and I know he’ll take it with both hands. He is a leader in our squad and has performed well through this tournament so far and in the lead-up matches,” said Cheika.
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