David Pocock

Israel Folau

David Pocock and Israel Folau will return to action for Australia in the team named by coach Michael Cheika to face Argentina in their semifinal at Twickenham Stadium, London at 18:00 SA Time (17:00 UK Time, 16:00 GMT) on Sunday.

No 8 David Pocock (calf) and fullback Israel Folau (ankle) have been declared fit for the clash after Friday’s training session and will take their place in the starting 15, along with prop James Slipper who replaces the injured Scott Sio.

Slipper, who captained the side against the USA Eagles in Chicago last month, will start at loosehead prop while Toby Smith comes on to the replacements bench for the Wallabies’ 6th appearance in a Rugby World Cup semifinal.

With a combined 876 caps, this is the most experienced Wallaby starting line-up ever in a Rugby World Cup match. The side that defeated Scotland in the quarterfinals had 818 Test caps.

It is the 2nd-oldest Wallabies starting line-up in a Rugby World Cup match. At an average of 28 years and 142 days of age, it is only 21 days younger than the side (28 year and 163 days of age) that defeated Wales on 23 October 1999.

The match will be Slipper’s 73rd in the gold jersey, making the 26-year-old the most capped Wallabies prop in history, surpassing Benn Robinson (72 Tests).

Vice-captain Michael Hooper will also celebrate a milestone with his 50th Test appearance.

Drew Mitchell will once again line up on the left wing, needing 1 more try to draw level with Bryan Habana and Jonah Lomu as the all-time Rugby World Cup leading try scorer on 15 tries.

Complete confidence:

With the return of Pocock and Folau, quarterfinal starters Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale revert to the bench.

Wallabies Coach Michael Cheika said he had complete confidence in Slipper and the entire squad to improve against Argentina, following the 35 / 34 win over Scotland.

“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 said.

“James is a leader in our squad and has performed well through this tournament so far and in the lead-up matches.

“This weekend is a great opportunity for the lads to improve on last week and take advantage of the chance to play on such a big stage. This weekend we want to make Australia proud of their team.”

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Captain), 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale.

Date: Sunday 25 October
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 18:00 SA Time (17:00 UK Time, 16:00 GMT, 13:00 Arg Time, Monday 03:00 Monday AEDT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), George Clancy (Ireland)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)