Wallabies flanker David Pocock is set to miss the first Rugby Championship game in South Africa to give his calf problem more time to fully recover.
Rugby Australia's rugby.com.au website reported that Pocock is likely to be left out of the 31‑man squad to be named this week by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
The Wallabies are leaving for South Africa this weekend for a training camp at high altitude to prepare for their Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks on July 21.
Cheika's group will not include Brumbies players just back from their Super Rugby semifinal defeat to the Jaguares in Argentina.
Pocock ‑ out since March 8 with a chronic calf muscle injury – is also unlikely to feature.
The 31‑year‑old ‑ who has 76 Wallabies caps ‑ pulled out of the latter stages of the Super Rugby season to allow him to devote his time to overcoming the calf problem before the Rugby World Cup starts in September.
He first injured his leg at a Wallabies training camp last January.
The rugby.com.au report said Pocock's potential return would be assessed each of each game.
Stuff.co.nz
