Wallabies great David Campese surprised no action taken against All Blacks over neck roll on David Pocock
WALLABIES great David Campese is appalled that David Pocock’s longevity in rugby is under threat by inaction on properly policing dangerous neck rolls.
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WALLABIES great David Campese is appalled that David Pocock’s longevity in rugby is under threat by inaction on properly policing dangerous neck rolls.
The fallout from Pocock’s neck being twisted by the All Blacks has hit home with Australia’s top forward being ruled out of Saturday night’s Test against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.
Campese put the acid on Kiwi referee Glenn Jackson to act strictly on any neck roll on Saturday night with a yellow or red card but his bigger call was for World Rugby’s inaction to stop.
“It really surprised me there was no sanction from the All Blacks Test in Auckland when any act on the neck is illegal and that was so dangerous,” Campese said.
“It’s a player welfare issue too...no one wants to see David Pocock’s career shortened.”
The Springboks will get a huge lift not having to contend with the 71-Test warrior’s imposing skills over the ball where it almost takes a bulldozer to shift him when he latches on.
That’s one reason you’re unlikely to see a neck lock on Saturday night, like that of All Black Owen Franks, because it is less necessary to shift other less muscular rocks.
Versatile Crusaders backrower Pete Samu has been called up for the first time at No.8 after five bench cameos.
The anger from Pocock’s Brumbies coach Dan McKeller has been boiling since the club got nowhere with an official complaint during Super Rugby on the same illegal act.
“It’s a disaster waiting to happen...get it out of the game,” McKellar said.
Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper also went on the front foot: “It’s a significant injury and a significant issue.
A SANZAAR citing commissioner said the Franks’ case, possibly because the substantial cleanout of Joe Moody magnified it, did not meet the red card threshold.
“(Possible) neck injuries are a pretty big part of the game and being in a similar position to David you want to be protected and safe,” flanker Hooper said.
“This has now cost us one player.
“Parts of the game happen very quickly and you’re not looking to inflict pain or injury but how you avoid that is a conversation we need to have to get the right outcome.”
The Wallabies led and drew with the Springboks twice last year without Pocock so there is no doubt they can win this if they perform their individual jobs better as they have preached.
The Springboks have five genuine lineout jumpers so that is one hot spot on top of the intense physical challenge that newer Wallaby forwards Rory Arnold, Lukhan Tui and Samu must meet.
“The pressure is on to realise our potential but that’s always Test rugby and we can’t wait to see what the team delivers at a venue we love to play at,” Hooper said.
New inside centre Matt Toomua tuned up his goalkicking at the stadium for the role he has taken from the dumped Bernard Foley.
“I’ve kind of always been a goalkicker and always wanted to do more so the responsibility is something I’ll enjoy,” Toomua said.
WALLABIES: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Kurtley Beale, Will Genia, Pete Samu, Michael Hooper (c), Lukhan Tui, Adam Coleman, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio. Res: Folau Faingaa, Tom Robertson, Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda, Ned Hanigan, Joe Powell, Bernard Foley, Jack Maddocks.
SPRINGBOKS: Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff. Res: Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Francois Louw, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard, Cheslin Kolbe.
Referee: Glenn Jackson (NZ).
Kick-off: 8pm, Saturday night, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV: (Live): Fox Sports, Ch 10
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Originally published as Wallabies great David Campese surprised no action taken against All Blacks over neck roll on David Pocock