Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Wycliff Palu will miss this week’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina through injury, the Australian Rugby Union said Monday.
Outside-back Ashley-Cooper has been ruled out for one week with a nerve compression injury to his neck which he exacerbated in the 24-23 win over South Africa in Perth on Saturday.
Number eight Palu suffered a head knock in the same match and will now follow concussion protocols ahead of his return to play, team officials said.
“It’s disappointing to lose two experienced members of our squad ahead of what is an extremely important game against Argentina,” Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said.
“However, this year we’ve taken a proactive approach to making early decisions around guys carrying injuries, which is the case here.
“As is always the case with sport, the next guy in line now gets a chance to step up and take advantage of the opportunity they’ll be given.”
Queensland Reds number eight Jake Schatz will come into Australian camp as an additional training squad member, joining scrum-half Will Genia, hooker Saia Faingaa and prop Benn Robinson.
The team for Saturday’s Test against Argentina on the Gold Coast will be named on Tuesday.