David Pocock ruled out of Test against England

Australia have been dealt a major blow ahead of their final Test of the European tour against England at Twickenham with back-row David Pocock sidelined after failing to make a sufficient recovery from a neck injury.

The 30-year-old has been struggling with the injury for the entire season and it got worse during the game against Italy last weekend.

He was able to take part only in non-contact work during training on Tuesday and was being monitored ahead of the Saturday's game but now has been withdrawn from the key encounter.

Earlier, England scrum coach Neal Hatley admitted that Pocock can be an influential player if he plays this weekend.

"We know what a good player he is. I think he's got double the turnovers of any other stealer in tier one this year.

"He's a hell of a good player and he becomes a big threat if he plays."