Skelton came off the field clutching his arm early in the second half in the Wallabies’ 11-try win over Uruguay on Sunday, while Palu had suffered a “problematic” hamstring injury, coach Michael Cheika said after that match.
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The Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup campaign has suffered a setback with giant forwards Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu reportedly ruled out of the tournament.
Hooker James Hanson will replace No.8 Palu in the squad while Sam Carter will take lock Skelton’s place, News Corp has reported.
It’s reported Hanson will fly out from Australia on Tuesday while Carter is now in France.
Despite the fact he started at the weekend, the 33-year-old Palu was seen as an outsider to make the 23-man squad for the England game, due to Australia’s numerous back row options.
Palu, 33, has played 57 Tests for Australia, but he has has signed to play in Japan next season so will not reach the Wallabies’ 60-cap threshhold for overseas-based internationals.
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The loss of such powerful ball runners is not only a blow for the Wallabies prospects against England who they play on Saturday night (Sunday AEST), but their entire World Cup with their final pool game against Wales next week.
