Folau, Pocock 'couldn't do their jobs'

Australia coach Michael Cheika said Saturday he had no hesitation replacing the unfit Israel Folau and David Pocock in the side for the World Cup quarter-final with Scotland on Sunday.

Cheika said the decision for the game at Twickenham on Sunday was "not too difficult."

Star full back Folau has an ankle injury while Pocock is struggling with a calf injury.

"They couldn’t do their jobs and that’s the key. You’ve got to be able to do your jobs in this team and I don’t think either player could do it to their full potential," said Cheika.

Kurtley Beale will come in for Folau while Pocock's place goes to Ben McCalman.

"I know Pocock and Folau are great players but I really believe in the guys who are coming into their positions. That’s something we want to build on," said Cheika.

"We’ll just ask them to improve the team with what they bring and both have already made contributions to the side in this tournament. I’m sure they’ll continue to contribute in spades," the coach said of the newcomers.

Cheika said he had been "working hard" since taking over the Wallabies 12 months ago to get strength in all positions.

Source: AFP