Turinui's arrival will bolster Australia's depleted back resources

The 25-year-old Turinui won the last of his 20 caps for the Wallabies in 2005.

He is set to join the Australia squad on Thursday, two days before their quarter-final against defending champions England in Marseille.

Coach John Connolly had hinted he would replace Lyons with a back to help cover for injured fly-half Stephen Larkham.

The Wallabies have been hit by injuries to several backs since arriving in France.

In addition to Larkham, who has had two knee operations during the tournament, captain Stirling Mortlock is recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

And utility back Mark Gerrard injured his knee in the Wallabies' opening game of the tournament against Japan.

England have got a good scrum, a good line-out, they've got pace out wide, all the ingredients to be a very good side John Connolly

Queenslander Berwick Barnes has been impressive in the number 10 jersey, but Connolly's only other specialist fly-half is Matt Giteau, who has been playing at inside centre.

Lyons, 27, who has been plagued with health problems since playing in the 2003 World Cup final, fractured his left fibula in the Wallabies' 37-6 win against Canada.

Connolly's side have looked far more impressive than England so far during the tournament, topping Pool B with four wins out of four.

But Connolly insisted his team would not be taking their opponents lightly in what will be a rematch of the 2003 World Cup final, which England won deep into extra-time.

"England have got a good scrum, a good line-out, they've got pace out wide, all the ingredients to be a very good side," he said.

"They're dangerous. I said before the tournament started that they're a side that will be in the mix come the quarter-finals, semi-finals."