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England vs Australia: David Pocock ruled out with injury as Wallabies forced into late change

Influential No 8 has been withdrawn from the Australia team to face England on Saturday with Pete Samu named in his place

Jack de Menezes

Friday 23 November 2018 12:39 GMT

David Pocock has been ruled out of England vs Australia this weekend (Reuters)

Australia have suffered an injury blow on the eve of their final autumn international against England with the news that David Pocock has been ruled out, having failed to recover from the neck injury that has plagued him this week.

With the 30-year-old unavailable for Saturday afternoon's clash at Twickenham, Australia head coach Michael Cheika has promoted Pete Samu to the starting line-up.

Cheika had spoken tentatively about Pocock's availability this weekend despite naming him in the starting line-up at No 8 on Thursday, but his failure to complete training after the announcement preceded a failed fitness test on Friday ahead of the Wallabies' planned captain's run at Twickenham.

England vs Japan player ratings

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1/15England vs Japan player ratings

England vs Japan player ratings

Alec Hepburn - 5 out of 10

A slightly disappointing display on his return to the starting line-up. Tackled well, but was fairly anonymous in the carrying department.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Jamie George 5 out of 10

Deserved yellow card for brainless penalty as he dived over the ruck to kill a Japanese attack. Did well to link play from Cokanasiga’s pass to release Care for the opening score but the seven points conceded while off the pitch hurt England.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Harry Williams - 5 out of 10

Missed a covering tackle on Michael Leitch along with Dylan Hartley and failed to seize his chance to pressure Kyle Sinckler for the No 3 shirt.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Charlie Ewels - 6 out of 10

Very good defensively, though his ball retention could have been better as he was twice turned over. A noticeable threat in the lineout.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Maro Itoje - 7 out of 10

Another impressive showing from the lock following last week’s display. One eye-catching run saw him beat three defenders, with only Jack Nowell beating more, and he was again England’s go-to man in the lineout.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Courtney Lawes - 6 out of 10

Brought his defensive physicality that helped keep England in the contest in the first half. A useful lineout option, as you’d expect with three natural locks.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Mark Wilson - 6 out of 10

Moved to openside flanker from No 8 and struggled to find the line with referee Paul Williams as he was pinged three times in two minutes. But he led the defensive effort with 21 tackles and richly deserved his maiden international try.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Zach Mercer - 5 out of 10

After his promising display off the bench against the Springboks, this was a harsher reality for the young back-row. Sacrificed to allow Dylan Hartley on while George was in the sin-bin, and replaced soon after half-time as Jones looked for some penetration with through Sam Underhill.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Danny Care - 5 out of 10

Kept up with play well to be on hand to finish the first try as he held off the covering Willi Tupou to score, but missed tackle allowed Leitch to charge through for the try. Strange decision to kick out ball at the end of the first half that summed up England’s performance to that point, and made up for his earlier error with much better try on Leitch.

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England vs Japan player ratings

George Ford - 7 out of 10

The opposite type of leader to Farrell and Dylan Hartley, but it was his performance - particularly in the second half - that really impressed. Set-up Wilson for England’s second try of the afternoon with a smart attacking run to pull Michael Leitch out of position, and won a ruck penalty immediately after that he turned into three points. Kicking record of five from six was a good return.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Chris Ashton - 4 out of 10

Defensively exposed against Kenki Fukuoka as he got around the edge on numerous occasions. Couldn’t compete in the air off Care’s kicks, and forced off with a right calf injury after 31 minutes.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Alex Lozowski - 5 out of 10

Far too easily beaten for the opening Japan try as Ryoto Nakamura stepped him on the line to score. Hauled off at half-time for Owen Farrell.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Jack Nowell - 6 out of 10

Only lasted 30 minutes at outside centre before he was needed to move to the wing to cover for Ashton’s injury. Came into the game in the second half with a number of impressive runs of Farrell and Ford.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Joe Cokanasiga - 7 out of 10

Bright start to his England career with an impressive break in the third minute, and was aware enough to offload to George inside him to score. Strong run through lock Wimpie van der Walt and took his try very well in the second half, but defensively suspect at times.

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England vs Japan player ratings

Elliot Daly - 6 out of 10

Landed a monster penalty from halfway but once again struggled under the high ball. Good counter attack led to the early try.

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“I wouldn’t he’s say fully fit,” Cheika said before Pocock's withdrawal. “He is hurting but desperate to play. He has them at him all year and he puts his head in places that people go to. He has copped a fair few whacks in there this year so he is certainly not scared of people."

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