Rob Simmons
Wallaby lock Rob Simmons will miss this Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks and next week’s Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland – after being ruled out with a scaphoid injury.
Simmons will undergo surgery in Brisbane on Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery before the Wallabies take on the United States in Chicago next month.
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika said he was “disappointed” to lose the veteran of 52 Tests, but said it would provide great competition for other locks to press their claims for selection.
“Obviously we’re all disappointed to lose Rob,” Cheika said.
“However, we’re confident he will make a full recovery ahead of Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve been able to build some real depth in the lock position, and Rob’s injury presents an opportunity for another player in the squad to stake their claim.”
No additional player will be called into the Wallabies squad for this Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks, with the team to be named later in the week.
Simmons has been a key line-out jumper for the Wallabies in the 1st 2 Rounds of The Rugby Championship – with victories over South Africa (24 / 20) and Argentina (34 / 9).
Former skipper James Horwill looks the most likely replacement in the starting team for the Championship decider – a key encounter ahead of the World Cup that gets underway in England next month.
rugby365