Wallabies skipper James Horwill has been ruled out of Saturday night’s Rugby Championship clash with South Africa due to a hamstring injury.

Horwill will be sidelined for two weeks – also missing also next week’s Test against Argentina in Perth – in a major blow to Australia’s hopes of turning around their losing start the championship.

Halfback Will Genia will take over the Wallabies’ captaincy reins against the Sprinboks at Suncorp Stadium while Kane Douglas has been promoted to fill Horwill’s place in the second-row alongside Rob Simmons.

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Versatile Western Force forward Ben McCalman, better known as a back-rower, comes on to the bench.

Horwill is the latest second-row injury concern for Australia, with Hugh McMeniman and Peter Kimlin also currently sidelined.

Sitaleki Timani, who was originally overlooked for the Wallabies squad as he was to take up a contract in France, will now be added to the squad for next week’s Test in Perth.

Reportedly now eyeing a late switch to the Melbourne Rebels, Timani will likely add to his 10 Test caps against the Pumas at Patersons Stadium.

Horwill strained his hamstring at training on Tuesday afternoon.

The injury is not related to the tear he suffered last year which forced him to undergo surgery and miss the entire 2012 international season.



The inspirational 40-Test lock returned strongly for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby this season but his form faded after the Wallabies’ 2-1 series loss to the British and Irish Lions in June-July and he was not at his best in the two losses to the All Blacks to start the Rugby Championship.

Wallabies team to play South Africa: Israel Folau, Nick Cummins, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, James O’Connor, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (capt); Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, James Slipper. Res: Saia Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Ben Alexander, Ben McCalman, Jake Schatz, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Jesse Mogg.