Set for surgery: David Pocock
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The Wallabies have suffered a major blow for this year's home series against the British and Irish Lions with confirmation that star flank David Pocock has been ruled out for six months.
Scans showed that breakdown ace Pocock suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament playing for the Brumbies in their 35-6 Super Rugby win over the Waratahs in Canberra on Saturday.
The highly-rated Pocock injured his left knee when he fell awkwardly in a tackle by fellow Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper early in the first half of the game.
Pocock, 24, faces knee reconstruction surgery and is set to miss the three-Test Lions series starting in June and the Wallabies' entire Rugby Championship campaign as well as the rest of the Super Rugby season.
"To hurt my knee so early in the season is obviously disappointing, particularly considering how well the team has been playing," Pocock said.
"When I got here last year I got a good feel for the club's rehab programmes and structures, so I know what I'm in for as far as getting my knee back to full strength. The medical staff have given me plenty of time to make a full recovery, so my focus has to turn to making that a reality."
Pocock was in contention to be coach Robbie Deans' choice to skipper the Wallabies this year.
Injuries last year forced Deans to switch the captaincy from James Horwill to Pocock before the flanker underwent surgery on his other knee.
Deans will now have to find a flanker replacement for Pocock with the early contenders likely to be the Waratahs' Michael Hooper or Liam Gill of the Reds.
Wallabies great George Smith, a veteran of 110 Tests, could also emerge as a contender after replacing the injured Pocock in Saturday's match.
However, Smith's Test availability is not clear as he is still contracted to a Japanese club and only playing for the Brumbies on a short-term deal in the Japanese off-season.
Brumbies coach Jake White said it was fortunate that the team had recently signed Smith to play most of this year's Super Rugby tournament.
"That's a big blow, David adds a lot to our team and I would have liked him to be around for the entire year," White said. "The Brumbies will be doing everything they can to have David fit again and available to play for the Wallabies.
"When that might be I'm not sure, but we've got a good record of getting players back on the park stronger than they were pre-injury."
He added that the arrival of Smith is a plus.
"It shows you how fate plays out ... it's just fantastic how things have worked out now that George has arrived," White said.
Comments
ironmanI441 says...
Sad to see this happen to someone who was going to add so much to the Lions tour. I think Trinats is looking a bit too short term. I agree Liam Gill is playing like a beast, and that Hooper just gets more dangerous looking every time I see him, but Pocock is still young himself and was always going to be the favourite for the 7 shirt because not only his poaching but his leadership. Hooper is a scary because he also as threatening as a centre in the backline. I think it will be Hooper at 7, and Gill on the bench. If the Wallabies select Smith I truly hope it is as a bit of experience off the bench and not because they are scared of letting the young boys at the Lions.
Posted 13:42 11th March 2013
chocol8thunda says...
Bad luck. Injury prone. The Aussies seem to be blighted. Bodes well for my Lions. As for the two best 7s, please. You guys gotta get off the glue, can name a few 7s who are better. That's not including king Ritchie. Lions 2-1 series victory, the loss will be close. The Lions' pack will decimate the convicts and the back line will easily match the nous of the dingo-f*ckers. Gonna be a good tour.
Posted 22:36 10th March 2013
powerplay says...
.. a time for George smith to step back up? or maybe hes just got to far to catch up..
Posted 21:24 10th March 2013
kennyisgay says...
@ trinutz, you won't have any problems dealing with the lioness' having the 2 best 7s in the world, but its when you come up against the best 7 in the universe - king Richie - that the inevitable always occurs
Posted 20:37 10th March 2013
carpelone says...
Get well soon, David, son of Zim.
Posted 18:44 10th March 2013
scrumpoacher says...
Smith!!!
Posted 14:45 10th March 2013
Trinats2 says...
When he was out last year, wallabies suffered. However towards the end of last year and this year it's is a different story. not only do we have the best 7 in the world at the moment in Gill, we also have the second best, Hooper ! I 'm sure Pocock would have started from the bench.
Posted 11:04 10th March 2013
heart_of_oak says...
A great player and a big loss to the Aussies I would say.
Posted 10:34 10th March 2013