Concerns over fitness of Pocock and Folau continue

The key duo had been in doubt all week after sitting out the thrilling quarterfinal win over Scotland; Folau battling an ankle injury and Pocock struggling with a calf complaint.

An upbeat Cheika said he was confident rather than hopeful Pocock would overcome a calf injury to face the Pumas.

“I am not too sure what the process is from here but they trained through most of training so I am guessing they are good to go”.

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.

The players were given a rare day off on Thursday to rest their bodies before Cheika announces his team on Friday, with even the top leaders unsure if they will be picked.

“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”.

Slipper faces a strong shot at redemption following his horror intercept pass to Scotland’s Mark Bennett nearly ended the Wallabies’ campaign.

But the big inclusion is Pocock.

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.

Sio’s place in the run-on side has been taken by James Slipper while Kurtley Beale and Ben McCalman drop back to the bench to accommodate the returns of Folau and Pocock.

Beale has starred off the bench throughout the World Cup and provides the Wallabies with versatility late in games. “We will watch him on the paddock and hope he does a full session later”, said coach Michael Cheika explaining a delay in naming his starting XV for Sunday’s game.

“And the guys that aren’t getting selected are doing that and that’s probably why we are here today”.

Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Leonardo Senatore, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Ramiro Herrera, Agustin Creevy (capt), Marcos Ayerza.