Australia's World Cup aspirations suffered a heavy blow when vice-captain and influential number eight Toutai Kefu was ruled out of the tournament with a cracked shoulder-blade.

WORLD champions Australia take on Argentina tonight (11.15pm Irish time) looking to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing defeat they suffered at the hands of the Pumas when they last played in South America five years ago.

CHRIS LATHAM has been ruled out of Australia's tour to Argentina, Britain and Ireland next month after being injured in a freak accident.