The Wallaroos have suffered a massive blow with superstar back Charlotte Caslick replaced in the Rugby World Cup squad.
Caslick, who underwent ankle surgery last month, has been replaced by uncapped Brumby Manu'a Moleka.
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The Sevens superstar made the switch to XVs at the start of the year and instantly impressed for the Reds, earning her Test debut against Fiji.
She looked set to start in the centres before a nasty incident in the final minutes of last month's loss to the Black Ferns left her hobbling off the field.
The Wallaroos have confirmed she will not travel to England with the team on Monday, with Caslick potentially an option later in the tournament should someone else be ruled out.
"We’re really disappointed to lose Charlotte so close to the World Cup. She has shown great commitment to the XVs program and Wallaroos this year," coach Jo Yapp said.
"Charlotte's timeline to get back for our pool matches has changed and following medical advice, the decision was made to allow her to continue on an accelerated recovery program, where she could be available as an injury replacement should we require a player later in the tournament."
"In sport sometimes the toughest opponent is time...Four weeks ago I fractured my fibula and ruptured my syndesmosis, we set our sights on pushing a 10–12 week recovery into 6, but ultimately, we decided on Friday, it’s best for myself and the team to make the call now as I won’t be available for the opening rounds," Caslick said via social media. "I’m proud of the challenge I took on converting to 15s and I feel like I grew not only on the field as a footy player but off it as well. I even picked up a whole new group of best friends who are about to fly over and take on the world.
"I couldn’t be more proud to be able to call myself a Wallaroo and I’ll be cheering the girls on from home loudly over the next month. Thank you to everyone who supported me during the last 6 months and continues to support me now through my rehab journey. I’ll keep working hard and get my ankle right as soon as I can.
"Some endings aren’t fair but they still come. "
It paves the way for a remarkable debut for Moleka, the younger sister of flyhalf Faitala.
The 18-year-old has been involved with the squad for the majority of the international season after an excellent season for the Brumbies.
Moleka made an impressive statement for Australia A against Samoa, Australia's World Cup opening opponents, scoring a double in the 50-22 victory in Canberra.
"We’re really fortunate and excited that Manu’a can join us for the World Cup," Yapp added.
"Manu'a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international Test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity to join us."
The squad will head out to England on Monday afternoon, with their first game scheduled for August 23 (AEST).
