Injured Australia duo out of World Cup

Australia on Tuesday called up James Hanson and Sam Carter to their squad after Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton were ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with injuries sustained in the victory over Uruguay.

Palu, who missed the Wallabies' opening game against Fiji, picked up a hamstring strain while Skelton sustained a pectoral muscle injury during Sunday's clash at Villa Park in Birmingham that Australia won 65-3.

Of the two 33-year-old backrow forward Palu, capped 56 times, would have been the most likely to have challenged for a place in the crucial Pool A clash with wounded hosts England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Coach Michael Cheika said he was "really gutted" for the pair, who both underwent scans on Monday.

"From a team perspective, they both play important roles in the side and it is disappointing that we need to replace players in our squad," he said.

Cheika said he was confident that 27-year-old hooker Hanson, who has 10 caps for Australia, and 26-year-old lock Carter, who has 12, would be able replacements for the duo in a squad that has won both their games thusfar but face two tough Tests to come in the shape of England and Wales.

The duo played in Australia's warm-up test over the United States at Soldier Field shortly before the tournament got underway.

"Both James and Sam have been part of the team at various stages this season and I am confident they will be able to step up and grasp the opportunity they have been given," he added.

Skelton, 23, will consult a surgeon on his return to Australia to see whether he requires surgery.

Palu and Skelton become the latest casualties to be ruled out of the World Cup, taking the total to 14 after just two weeks of the marathon tournament.

Among the 14 whose dreams of World Cup glory have ended in disappointment are such greats of the game as South Africa skipper Jean de Villiers while the Wales team have seen three of their players sidelined.

Source: AFP