Wallaby skipper Pocock out of All Blacks clash

SYDNEY (AFP) –

Australia’s David Pocock (R) tries to run past New Zealand’s Kieran Read during their Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on August 18. The Wallabies were dealt a major blow on Monday with confirmation that Pocock needs keyhole surgery on his knee and will miss Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks.

The Wallabies were dealt a major blow on Monday with confirmation that skipper David Pocock needs keyhole surgery on his knee and will miss Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks in Auckland.

The flanker suffered damage to the articular cartilage in his right knee in the first half of Saturday’s 27-19 loss to New Zealand in the Rugby Championship opener in Sydney.

“Wallabies captain David Pocock has been ruled out of Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup rematch in Auckland and is destined for surgery after suffering a knee injury,” rugby officials said in a statement.

While Pocock played through the pain to complete the match, scans confirmed he will need an operation.

“He will undergo keyhole surgery in Sydney tomorrow, with a decision on the time period of his rehabilitation to be determined following the procedure.”

Vice captain Will Genia is set to take the skipper’s armband for the Eden Park clash that doubles as the second of three Tests to decide the Bledisloe Cup.

The Wallabies must win in Auckland for the first time since 1986 to prevent the All Blacks from holding the title for a 10th consecutive year.