Share

Broken hand rules Pocock out of Bok Test

Perth - Wallabies star forward David Pocock will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship after breaking his hand in Australia's win over Argentina in Perth on Saturday.

Scans on Sunday confirmed the fracture, ruling Pocock out of the Wallabies' final two Rugby Championship Tests, against South Africa in Pretoria and Argentina in London early next month.

The setback continues Pocock's wretched run with injuries during his chequered playing career, which include two knee reconstructions, ankle and calf trouble and a fractured eye socket.

Team officials said Pocock has a chance to play for the Wallabies in the third Bledisloe Test against New Zealand in Auckland on October 22.

Pocock, who is being played at No 8 this season with Michael Hooper at open-side flank, wanted to keep going in Saturday's Test against the Pumas, but Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he had to come off the field.

"It was quite swollen, so it was hard for him to move his hand," Cheika told reporters.

"He wanted to play through but I had to take him off."

Australia's 36-20 win over Argentina after leading 21-0 in the opening 12 minutes was Pocock's last match at home ahead of his planned 2017 sabbatical from rugby.

Sean McMahon and his Melbourne Rebels team-mate Lopeti Timani are in line to take over Pocock's spot at the back of the Wallabies' scrum.

The Wallabies have a week off before travelling to Pretoria to face South Africa on October 1.

New Zealand have already secured this year's Rugby Championship title, but the battle for second spot remains open.

The Wallabies are currently second after their back-to-back home wins over South Africa and Argentina.

Cheika is expecting the Springboks to be difficult to beat in the Pretoria return match.

Australia have lost each of the six Tests they have played against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld, including a horror 61-22 mauling in 1997.

"We have to work out a really good plan against the South Africans," Cheika said. "It will be a cauldron in Pretoria."

"We are a team that enjoys going on the road. I have been really pleased with the lads, even under fire they have been very solid.

"There is a good feeling in the camp and there always has been and that's really positive for us.

"We want to show people how motivated we are inside each individual."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE