Jones sceptical over Pocock injury

Eddie Jones felt a sense of deja vu when he heard David Pocock was a doubt to face England and expects the flanker to play at Twickenham on Saturday.

Pocock was replaced in the second half of Australia’s victory over Italy last Saturday with a neck injury.

The 30-year-old was a notable absentee when the Wallabies trained on Monday and scrum-half Will Genia said he was “not sure” if Pocock will take on England as he is “pretty busted”.

Jones expressed his doubts when Pocock was ruled out of the second Test during England’s Test series in Australia two years ago, despite the breakdown specialist suffering a fractured eye socket.

And the England head coach was sceptical when asked Pocock’s participation in the Cook Cup showdown.

“We’re not even thinking about it,” the former Australia coach said.

“I hear this every time we play Australia, Pocock’s not going to be fit, he’ll be fit. When I heard it, I thought, ‘here we go again’.

“You know those merry-go-rounds at the Royal Easter Show. It’s a bit like that.”

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