Mortock blow for Aussies

Stirling Mortock has been ruled out of Australia’s World Cup opener against Argentina on Friday after being struck down by a bout of gastroenteritis.

The ACT Brumbies outside-centre has been bed-ridden for the last two days after team medics quarantined him from the rest of the squad and an Australia spokesman today confirmed he would not make the Argentina game.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will announce his squad for the tournament curtain raiser tomorrow, with Mat Rogers or Matt Burke the likely replacements for Mortlock.