Australia flanker David Pocock hopes to return from injury against New Zealand
Tuesday 18 October 2016 07:05, UK
Australia flanker David Pocock is optimistic of returning to action after missing the last month with a broken hand as the Wallabies look to halt New Zealand’s bid to secure a world-record 18th consecutive Test win on Saturday.
Back-rower Pocock has been out of action since picking up the injury in Australia's 36-20 victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship clash in Perth last month.
The setback continued his dreadful run with injuries during his career, which has included two knee reconstructions, ankle and calf trouble and a fractured eye socket.
But the 28-year-old came through a non-contact training session on Monday and is hopeful of being fit for the Bledisloe Cup game at Eden Park in Auckland, where Australia have not tasted victory since 1986.
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"It's feeling pretty good," Pocock said ahead of testing his hand in a contact session.
"I've done all the rehab that's been required, the last little bit is the uncontrolled contact, see how that goes.
"Yesterday was good, I enjoy training in the rain, so we'll see what today holds."
Pocock's fellow flanker Sean McMahon's recovery from an ankle injury has been slower, however, and he is unlikely to feature on Saturday.
"It's a bit of a long shot as you'd expect it was with this type of injury but I'll just keep trotting away and working on building the strength back into it and see where that takes it," he told the Australian Rugby Union website.
Watch New Zealand v Australia on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 3 HD at 8am.
