Australia
Rob Simmons ruled out for Bledisloe encounters
ESPN Staff
August 3, 2015
Wallabies need to feel the heat: Cheika

Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has been ruled out of the back-to-back Bledisloe Cup clashes with the All Blacks due to a scaphoid injury.

The 52-Test lock will undergo surgery in Brisbane on Tuesday to fix the problem and is expected to be available for the Wallabies' one-off Test against the United States in Chicago on September 5th.

A replacement lock has not been named, giving the likes of James Horwill and Dean Mumm an opportunity for a start alongside Will Skelton. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika lamented the loss of Simmons but recognised the chance to test the squad's depth in the second-row.

"Obviously we're all disappointed to lose Rob," said Cheika. "However, we're confident he will make a full recovery ahead of Rugby World Cup."

"We've been able to build some real depth in the lock position, and Rob's injury presents an opportunity for another player in the squad to stake their claim."

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