Pocock raises his fears over neck rolls
DAVID Pocock is concerned about his long-term health after his neck was twisted at the breakdown by the All Blacks last Saturday.
A sore Pocock could barely turn his head after the match, having been the target of a neck roll by Kiwi prop Owen Franks in a first-half breakdown and being constantly targeted at the ruck by New Zealand’s menacing forwards.
No incidents were penalised by referee Wayne Barnes despite Pocock’s on-field complaints, and the Wallabies backrower revealed the Brumbies had also complained to SANZAAR during the Super Rugby season about rival players twisting his neck as a way to get him off their ruck ball.
Asked if he feared his career could be prematurely ended by further neck twists, Pocock replied: “As a player, you feel that after games and it’s not something you want to think too much about.”
The No.8, Australia’s best performer in the defeat, may need scans upon return to Canberra this week.
“I copped a knock and then a bit of a neck roll; it’ll be sore but hopefully it’s nothing serious,” Pocock said.
“There were a few during Super. It’s something the refs said they were going to really look at. The Brumbies put in a few citing, where you try to get someone cited, and none were accepted as meeting the threshold.”
Pocock did not criticise Barnes’ officiating during the 40-12 defeat in Auckland.
“I thought Wayne was good tonight,” Pocock said.
“He’s a really good communicator, lets both teams know what he’s thinking and you’re able to chat to him.”