Targeted Pocock troubled by neck but insists he’ll play
RUGBY UNION: David Pocock has suffered problems with his neck all year, concerned Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has revealed, despite World Rugby boss Brett Gosper saying the backrower has not been specifically targeted with neck rolls.
Although unable to train all week after suffering a neck injury against Italy last weekend, Pocock has been named to play England tomorrow (1am AEST).
World Rugby says it is clamping down on neck rolls, where players remove rivals from rucks by pulling or twisting the head/neck area, yet Pocock continually suffers injury in that area after breakdown contests.
“People definitely target him,” Cheika said.
“I can’t say illegally, because they’ll get penalised if it’s illegal – that’s what you’d expect – but he certainly takes some punishment in there.
“We’ve sent through a fair few clips and spoken to people after matches and haven’t had much joy there.
“The CEO of World Rugby (Brett Gosper) even came out and said he’s not being targeted illegally, so they must be looking at it. We’ve had our say about this already.”
Gosper said in Sydney two months ago: “I’m not sure he’s (Pocock) particularly targeted either. I can’t comment on any one incident but we’re certainly against neck rolls, and the laws are against neck rolls and people are instructed to look out for that sort of behaviour.”
Cheika said contact with Pocock’s neck had been an ongoing problem.
“He’s had a neck issue all season from getting hits on the head and neck,” Cheika said.
“It’s always a bit of the unknown there because you feel good one day, then the next day you don’t feel as good.
“This time, after the last game, it’s lagged on for quite a while.
“I just want to give him as much time as possible to get himself feeling really good.”
Pocock has told Cheika he will be fit to play at Twickenham.
“He’ll have a run (on Friday), he has to get out and have a run for sure,” Cheika said.
“With a guy like David, he’s very well prepared. I know he’s missed training but he’s the ultimate pro.
“He’s been through it all, he’s good at getting himself ready ... if there’s one that can do it he is certainly the guy.”
Meanwhile, Cheika has dropped Kurtley Beale for the first time since becoming Wallabies coach in 2014.
Coincidentally, this is the game the Wallabies will wear their indigenous jersey for the first time on foreign soil, but Cheika said he could not afford to be “romantic” over selections.
“It’s tough, but that’s part of footy, that’s the way it goes,” Cheika said.
“You’ve got to be clear with why, but then that’s it. Since he’s found out he’s been a strong contributor as well, along with all the other players that haven’t got to play this week.