Pocock out of Ireland clash

David Pocock has been withdrawn from Australia’s starting line-up just before his teams crucial World Cup battle against Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland, kick-off 9.30am Irish time.

The Western Force flanker, a key player for the Wallabies, was confirmed as an injury doubt on Friday when he complained of stiffness in his back and sat out Australia’s final team-run at the stadium.

Pocock’s Force team-mate Ben McCalman is promoted form the bench and steps into the unfamiliar role at openside flanker; it will be his first international start in that position. New South Wales number eight Wycliff Palu takes McCalman’s spot in the replacements.

The absence of Pocock will be a significant boost to Ireland’s chances as he is the only recognised openside in Australia coach Robbie Deans’ squad.

"It's more of an on-going irritation than anything serious," said Deans this morning.

"Scans have shown nothing sinister but David is a key member of our group. We would rather give him a bit of time to get it right before putting him back out there.

"Although Ben isn't a recognised openside, he does have some recent background there and has trained in the role on a regular basis with us this year."