RUGBY ROUND-UP

AUSTRALIA back-row forward David Pocock has withdrawn from today’s Test against England with a neck injury.

The 30-year-old number eight failed a fitness test on Friday after initially being named in coach Michael Cheika’s starting XV on Thursday.

Cheika had said that Pocock was “desperate to play” at Twickenham but insisted that the Wallabies would not risk his long-term health.

Peter Samu is set to be promoted off the bench to fill in at number eight.

JOE Schmidt’s “incredible impact” has made Ireland believe they can beat anyone in the world, according to Rhys Ruddock.

Leinster flanker Ruddock, the son of former Wales coach Mike, will captain Ireland in Saturday’s Dublin Test clash with the United States, with boss Schmidt having made 14 changes from the side that stunned back-to-back world champions New Zealand 16-9 last weekend.

Ruddock said: “The incredible impact Joe has on the group, and the belief over the long term has grown and grown over the years.

“We’re very lucky we’ve got him and the other coaches in the set-up doing such a great job.”

SKIPPER Greig Laidlaw admits he cannot wait to see the outcome as Scotland prepare to use all of their most adventurous attacking weapons against Argentina.

Gregor Townsend has decided to take the reins off his side after naming a back division that will see Adam Hastings and Finn Russell combine in an intriguing 10-12 partnership.

“It’s up to myself and the forwards to produce the ball that the boys can use out wide,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to starting beside Adam. He’s obviously a young exciting player coming in.”