Wallabies have been hit with a hammer blow on the eve of Saturday’s crunch Test against the Springboks, with superstar No 8 David Pocock a late scratching because of a concerning neck injury.
Pocock was unable to participate in contact sessions at training this week after suffering from ongoing neck soreness and stiffness in the wake of the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland last month.
Pocock, the world’s premier breakdown exponent, was in anguish throughout the Test as the All Blacks at times used illegal neck rolls to shift him from the ruck.
It has been an ongoing issue this season with Pocock also targeted with the same tactics by Ireland in June and throughout Super Rugby.
He has been replaced in the starting lineup by Pete Samu, who is not a noted No 8.
Pocock has not revealed the exact nature or extent of the neck issues.
by Foxsports.com.au
This is quickly beginning to look like the Loftus test of 2012. An injury plagued Wallaby side ripe for the plucking. That day Habana sparked every critical attacking movement. Can these Boks emulate that performance?
As an aside, I hope this injury is nothing serious. It would be tragic to have a career damaged by such an act of petulance.
