Pocock blow for Wallabies

Melbourne – A scrappy win over Italy has all but ensured coach Michael Cheika will guide the Wallabies to a second World Cup but he has more immediate headaches before the season-ending clash against England.

With the Wallabies having slumped to an eighth loss in 11 Tests against Wales the week before, a first defeat to the Azzurri would have been more than enough justification for Rugby Australia to swing the axe, even with 10 months left before the global showpiece in Japan.

Instead, the 26-7 victory over Conor O’Shea’s Italy in Padua – as unconvincing as it was – has given Cheika and the Wallabies breathing space before they head to Twickenham to face England.

No 8 David Pocock is nursing another pain in the neck, two months ago he was forced to miss the Rugby Championship clash against South Africa with a separate neck strain.

The loss of Australia’s most fearless breakdown warrior would be a massive blow for the Wallabies, who have lost their last five to Eddie Jones’ side.

Cheika will be reluctant to risk Pocock, however, given his importance to the side’s World Cup hopes and his recent neck problems. – Reuters