Australia head coach Michael Cheika has confirmed Israel Folau will not play for his country again this year after Saturday's clash with the Barbarians.
The news leaves the likes of Karmichael Hunt, Kurtley Beale and Reece Hodge in contention to take up the fullback shirt during the Wallabies' end-of-year Tests, which begin with a clash against Japan on Nov. 4.
"With Israel, I've decided to play him because I've decided that he won't be going on the tour at the end of the year," Cheika said. "He had in his contract the ability to take a Japan leg -- if he wanted to -- at the end of this season.
"We discussed it and we thought it might be better for him to have a break and come back fresh next year. He's played a lot of footy and he's been doing so well.
"I would prefer him to have that break than to have gone there and I think that's a good balance for all of us. It's part of building our depth as well. It will get other players to take responsibility without him there."
The Wallabies, who secured a shock 23-18 win over New Zealand Saturday, face Wales, England and Scotland in November.
