Rugby: Wallabies recall Turinui

MARSEILLE - Centre Morgan Turinui has been called in to Australia's rugby World Cup squad as a left-field replacement for injured No 8 David Lyons.

Turinui's call-up, two years after playing the last of his 20 tests, has been largely prompted by the concern surrounding injured playmaker Stephen Larkham.

The former Wallabies vice-captain will fly to France on Wednesday and arrives in Marseille two days before Saturday's quarter-final clash against England.

Lyons was ruled out of the tournament on the weekend after breaking his leg and also suffering a suspected ankle dislocation in the 37-6 win over Canada in Bordeaux.

The Australian selectors have opted against replacing the 117kg back-rower with another forward as they look to cover the possible loss of Larkham who is recovering from knee surgery.

They considered but overlooked the likes of NSW duo Kurtley Beale and Sam Norton-Knight as well as Western Force centre Ryan Cross before choosing the more experienced Turinui.

Although able to play at outside centre, Turinui is preferred as a second five-eighth by coach John Connolly.

- AAP