Pocock's absence not an issue
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Pete Samu could be the suitable candidate to don the Wallabies No.8 jersey against England, should David Pocock fail to recover from injury.
Pocock sustained a next injury during Australia’s win over Italy last weekend. The No.8 sat out training on Monday and went through some light training and lineout drills on Tuesday.
Pocock’s injury news is a massive blow for Australia as their prepare to take on England on Saturday.
Since returning from his year-long sabbatical, the No.8 has been in fine form and his renowned partnership with captain Michael Hooper has proven to be vital for the squad.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has picked the pair to start in every Test for which they have both been available since the 2015 Rugby World Cup began.
However, their deployment as starters in the Australian team comes at the expense of a fourth lineout option.
That could all change this weekend if Pocock’s injury could force Michael Cheika to test new loose forward selection.
And it seems like Samu is the player most likely to step in fill Pocock’s boots.
The Brumbies-bound loose forward has started in two of his six Test outings, coming in as a late change for Pocock in Brisbane against South Africa and replacing captain Michael Hooper on the eve of the Wallabies’ Pumas Test during the Rugby Championships.
“I’m ready for the challenge I feel if it comes to that,” Samu told reporters when asked about taking the No.8 jersey.
“I think the coaches and staff will give Poey [Pocock] every opportunity to be right for the game so if it comes to that then I’ll be good to go, ready to fill in that role,”
Meanwhile, Israel Folau and Bernard Foley returned to training after sitting out on Monday with illness.
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