The Wallabies have suffered a double blow in London with reserve lock Rob Simmons given a massive eight-week ban for a lifting tackle against France while centre Pat McCabe has been ruled out of this weekend’s England clash with a neck injury.

The International Rugby Board judiciary panel hit Simmons with the surprisingly heavy ban in London on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) for his tackle on French flanker Yannick Nyanga in the second half of Australia’s humiliating 33-6 loss to France.

Simmons’ ban, which can be appealed, is for eight ‘active’ weeks and will keep him sidelined until February 24.

Scan results on Wednesday showed McCabe has a neck strain, ruling him out of Saturday’s (Sunday AEDT) match at Twickenham.