Palu, Skelton ruled out of World Cup

The hooker James Hanson and the lock Sam Carter have been called into Australia's Rugby World Cup squad to replace the injured players Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton.

The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed that Palu and Skelton both suffered tournament ending injuries during the Wallabies' match against Uruguay on Sunday.

Palu has a damaged hamstring while Skelton has a pectoral injury and is due to consult a surgeon on his return to Australia.

Their replacements, Hanson and Carter, played for Australia in against the USA in Chicago earlier this month.

Hanson has 10 Wallabies caps having debuted 2012 while Carter has played in 12 Tests for Australia since 2014.

Both players will join the squad looking for their maiden Rugby World Cup appearance.

The Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika said it was disappointing to see the tournament end for Palu and Skelton after solid contributions by the pair throughout the international season.

"Very few players have the opportunity to play for the Wallabies, let alone at a Rugby World Cup, so from that perspective I'm really gutted for them.

"From a team perspective, they both play important roles in the side and it is disappointing that we need to replace players in our squad."

Cheika said he had complete faith in Hanson and Carter to fill the void left by the duo for the remainder of the tournament.

"Both James and Sam have been part of the team at various stages this season and I am confident they will be able to step up and grasp the opportunity they have been given."

Palu's injury could mean the end of the 33-year-old's international career, with the number eight set to play in Europe after the World Cup and become ineligible for a recall.

The Wallabies arrived in London on Monday evening for their third Rugby World Cup Pool A match against England at Twickenham this Saturday.