Rugby union-Wallabies call up Ofahengaue

SYDNEY, Oct 10 (Reuter) - Australia rugby union coach Rod Macqueen on Friday called up backrower Willie Ofahengaue for the tour to Argentina and Britain in October and November after injury ruled out forward David Giffin.

Ofahengaue, who can play either flanker or number eight, last played for the Wallabies in the World Cup in South Africa in 1995.

``Willie came very close to selection when the squad was orginally announced last month -- his experience will prove invaluable on tour,'' Macqueen said in a statement.

``Although we've lost a lock and replaced Giffin with a backrower, we still have excellent back-ups in Owen Finegan, Matt Cockbain and Troy Coker,'' Macqueen said.

Giffin will be sidelined for up to three weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his foot, ending his tour hopes, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said.

Australia's 34-man squad leaves for Argentina on October 20 to play two tests against the Pumas before heading to Britain for internationals against England and Scotland in November.

Ofahengaue has played 26 tests for Australia, scoring eight tries, the ARU said.


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