Australia have suffered injury blows ahead of the Rugby Championship opening game against South Africa in Johannesburg with Scott Sio and Christian Lealiifano ruled out of the encounter.

Ulster have acquired the services of Australia international Christian Lealiifano for a short-term deal as a cover to Paddy Jackson.

Wallabies star Christian Lealiifano has been diagnosed with leukaemia and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital in Australia.

In the final International fixture of the autumn the Green and Gold of Australia travelled to Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium to take on the Six Nations Champions Wales in an old-fashioned North vs. South clash.