Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says champion flanker David Pocock is unlikely to feature in Australia’s first Test of their Europe tour against France.
But Deans expects Pocock, who was named in the 30-man touring squad on Thursday, to be ready to make his return from a knee injury a week later against England at Twickenham.
Australia play Tests against France, England, Italy and Wales on the four-Test tour with the first clash at Stade de France in Paris on November 10.
Pocock, who captained the Wallabies before suffering his injury against New Zealand in August, was only given the all-clear to tour by Wallabies’ medical staff this week.
“Poey has done very well … he’s still got a bit to do in terms of being available to be selected but he’s clearly going to be available and hence he’s coming with us,” Deans said on Thursday following the announcement of his 30-man tour squad.
Deans said the Test against France would most likely be too soon for Pocock.
“No. Unlikely Paris but likely Twickenham.”
The Wallabies coach was pleased to welcome back another stalwart in hooker Stephen Moore who is returning from a hamstring injury, but he too is facing a race against the clock to be fit for France.
“It’s good to not only have the likes of Poey but also Stephen Moore … a little bit of experience coming back and that will be good for the group,” Deans said.
“Essentially we’ve got Stephen coming back from injury but he’s got to be cleared for availability for the first game yet.”