Fractured eye socket ends David Pocock's series against England

As a big blow to Australia's campaign against England in the ongoing three-match Test series, Wallabies number eight David Pocock has been ruled out of the remaining two games with an eye injury.

The 28-year-old was forced off the field in the 69th minute under the blood rule as Australia went on to lose the game by 28-39 despite a double try by Michael Hooper.

The scans conducted on Pocock after the game revealed a fractured eye socket and the Australian star went to social media platform Twitter to confirm the news.

"Gutted to be ruled out of the rest of the #AUSvENG series with a fractured eye socket. Disappointing but these things happen,” tweeted Pocock.

Pocock is expected to be on the sidelines for six weeks even though the option of a surgery has been ruled out.
Apart from Pocock, lock Rob Simmons and vice-captain Rob Horne also left the field due to their respective injuries in the first half of the game.

Expressing disappointment at losing Pocock, Australian coach Michael Cheika said he is yet to decide on the replacement with a number of options at his disposal.

Traditional number eights Ben McCaknab and Wycliff Palu are already in the squad while Cheika also has the option of promoting one of Sean McMahon or Liam Gill.

"He played very well last night. We'll just see how we pan out. We got the final confirmation this morning but we'll just wait and see how the day pans out around what we might take into next week's game.

"We'll have a look at some options that we have. We have the option of staying with what we've got or if we want to bring in almost a like for like guy with Liam Gill.

"There's options that have got experience in the front row, so we're fortunate there but at the same time disappointed to lose a player of David's quality."

The second Test between the two teams is scheduled to be played on 18th June at the AAMI Park in Melbourne with England having a lead of 1-0.