Pocock suffers serious knee injury

Australia flanker David Pocock could miss the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions after suffering a knee injury while playing for the Brumbies.

The Wallabies’ openside was carried off in just the 13th minute of his side’s 35-6 Super 15 win over the Waratahs after a collision with international team-mate Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Initial reports suggest the 24-year-old has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, which could be enough to sideline him for the rest of the Super 15 season and the eagerly anticipated clash with Warren Gatland’s tourists.

Pocock is due to have a scan on the injury, and posted on Twitter: “Wow. Thanks so much for all the tweets. Was great to watch the team win like that. Off to get a scan now. Staying positive.”

Should Pocock be ruled out of the Test series it will be a major blow for Australia coach Robbie Deans.

Pocock has marked himself out as one of the top number sevens in the international game, with his performances putting him on a par with New Zealand’s World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw.

Waratahs backrower Michael Hooper and Liam Gill of the Reds would be the leading contenders to replace Pocock, while veteran George Smith, who played in the 2001 series against the Lions, could also be in the frame after returning to the Brumbies on a short-term deal from Japan.

Pocock was pessimistic when he tweeted again following his scan and confirmed he will see a surgeon on Monday. But he gave no indication as to the severity of the damage to his knee, or the length of time for which he will be sidelined. He said: “Not the best news with the scan. I’m going to have to see the surgeon Monday. Really appreciate all the tweets...”