Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Lineups: Argentina v Australia
By Theo BrennanArgentina v Australia, Semi Finals, Twickenham, London. Kick off 16:00– 11am ET
Referee: Wayne Barnes Assistant Referee: Jaco Peyper, George Clancy; TV Match Official: Ben Skeen
Argentina Coach Daniel Hourcade has made one change to the starting line-up that defeated Ireland in the quarter-finals. Marcelo Bosch returns from suspension to replace Matías Moroni at outside-center. This will be Argentina’s first Rugby World Cup Semi-Final in 8 years.
Nicolás Sánchez is currently second in points scored at the 2015 RWC. He has 74 points and needs 5 points to surpass Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw’s 79 for the scoring lead.
Australia has made 3 changes to their lineup. Number eight Pocock and full-back Folau are now fit and return to the starting XV, along with prop James Slipper who replaces the injured Scott Sio.
This is the second oldest starting lineup for the Wallabies in a Rugby World Cup, with players averaging over 28 years.
Slipper’s 73 test cap will make him the most capped Wallabies prop in history. Vice-captain Michael Hooper will will also reach a milestone with his 50th Test appearance.
Argentina Ranked 4th: HC Daniel Hourcade Starters: 1. Marcos Ayerza 2. Agustin Creevy (c) 3. Ramiro Herrera 4. Guido Petti 5. Tomas Lavanini 6. Pablo Matera 7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe 8. Leonardo Senatore 9. Martin Landajo 10. Nicolas Sanchez 11. Juan Imhoff 12. Juan Martin Hernandez 13. Marcelo Bosch 14. Santiago Cordero 15. Joaquin Tuculet Replacements: 16. Julian Montoya 17. Lucas Noguera 18. Juan Figallo 19. Matias Alemanno 20. Facundo Isa 21. Tomas Cubelli 22. Jeronimo De La Fuente 23. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino
Australia Ranked2nd: HC Michael Cheika Starters: 1. James Slipper 2. Stephen Moore (c) 3. Sekope Kepu 4. Kane Douglas 5. Rob Simmons 6. Scott Fardy 7. Michael Hooper 8. David Pocock 9. Will Genia 10. Bernard Foley 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Matt Giteau 13. Tevita Kuridrani 14. Adam Ashley-Cooper 15. Israel Folau 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