Champion support for Cheika

CHAMPION back-rower David Pocock is backing underfire Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, but says he has concerns of a different kind over his own neck.

Pocock offered his support for Cheika as Rugby Australia continues a review of the Wallabies’ poor 2018 campaign.

Its decisions are expected before Christmas, after Cheika’s presentation to the RA board on Monday and feedback from his coaching staff, players and the high performance area.

Australia won just four of 13 Tests, with Pocock the star of the campaign after returning from a 2017 sabbatical.

Pocock said he had a lot of respect for Cheika but speculation over the coach’s position had not been a distraction.

“There’s probably not a huge amount of value getting players to start talking about it because it’s a decision for people higher up the chain. It’s really out of our hands” Pocock said. “I love the guy. I’ve learnt a huge amount from him so like everyone else we’ll wait and see what happens and move on.”

Pocock suffered from several neck rolls through the rugby season and missed Tests against South Africa and England.

“It’s still pretty sore to be honest, I usually go away for December, try and get to Zimbabwe,” said Pocock , who was born in the African nation.

“But I decided this year I wanted to spend the time trying to get my body right for next year.”